Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek is taking on a leadership role in a national sheriffs' group. Last week, Stanek was elected vice president of the Major County Sheriffs' Association. Following that two-year term, he'll serve as group president.

Stanek says that the leadership role gives him a chance to learn and share best practices with other law enforcement agencies, and that it will help him bring Hennepin County's public safety concerns into a national discussion.

The Major County Sheriffs' Association represents counties with a population of 500,000 or more. The group advances legislative issues important to the public safety of large metropolitan communities.

Stanek also serves on the board of directors for the National Sheriffs' Association.

ASSOCIATED PRESS