A deputy chief with the Minneapolis Police Department announced today he is running for Hennepin County Sheriff.

Eddie Frizell, a 21-year veteran of the police force and a former commander of the National Guard’s Red Bull Brigade, is running to unseat current Sheriff Rich Stanek.

Stanek is also a high-ranking Minneapolis police officer who has served as sheriff for seven years.

Frizell says he wants to make the office more fiscally sound, improve morale among deputies and encourage the hiring of more women and veterans. Frizell says he was endorsed by a majority of members of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Deputies Association.

According to the association’s website, nearly 88 percent of its 270 members chose to make an endorsement, and three-fourths of them endorsed Frizell. As of 2013, there were 340 deputies in the county.

“With my leadership skills and experience under varying conditions — should be able to take the organization to the next level so they can go forth and do great things,” Frizell said.

Minneapolis police officials say Frizell is on leave while he runs for office.

Stanek’s campaign said in a statement that his record makes him the best person to help keep the county safe. Stanek has been endorsed by the Minneapolis Police Federation, among others.