The first challenger to Ramsey County Sheriff Jack Serier officially emerged Friday, with Mike Martin announcing he’ll run this year.

Martin, who has worked in law enforcement and public safety for 28 years, is assistant director of emergency management at the University of Minnesota. He spent 23 years as a Minneapolis police officer, reaching the rank of commander.

“At a time when police-community relations are strained more than ever, it is imperative the sheriff’s office has proven, inclusive and trusted leadership that will ensure a safe and just community for everyone,” Martin said in a statement Friday. “Over the last year, several issues have been raised by community leaders, labor groups, and local media regarding the current [interim] leadership at the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office.”

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved Serier as sheriff after Matt Bostrom retired last January, halfway through his second term as sheriff.

Serier, who was Bostrom’s second-in-command, announced in September that he will run for sheriff in the November 2018 election.

Martin said he’s calling on citizens “to help rebuild confidence in the leadership of the sheriff’s office.”

He said he will do that by improving “community engagement and inclusiveness,” promoting “administrative, fiscal, and organizational excellence,” enhancing all services provided by the sheriff’s office, and fostering “community and regional partnerships.”