CROWN POINT | Lake County Police Chief Marco Kuyachich announced Thursday morning he will run for sheriff, the only county police job left he hasn't achieved in his rise up the ranks.

The 31-year veteran of the force made his announcement in the lobby of the sheriff's headquarters one year after receiving a kidney transplant that saved his life. He acknowledged his debt to the family of Robert Malizzo, who was present at the announcement, who donated the kidney of their daughter, Michelle.

"I am both physically and mentally prepared to achieve the next milestone in my life and win the nomination of the Democratic Party for sheriff of Lake County in 2010," he said to the applause of scores of family and well-wishers.

He joins Lake County police Deputy Cmdr. Oscar Martinez who announced in February and Richard D. Ligon, a former postal inspector, who announced his run last month. Others who have expressed interest include Lake County Clerk Thomas Philpot and former Sheriff John Buncich.

Kuyachich said he was sworn in as a county police officer in 1978 and has worked as a county jail guard, patrol officer, canine officer, a member of the Aquatics Recovery and Rescue unit, a detective, supervisor of the auto theft and gang crime units, commander of the county's SWAT team, commander of special operations and undercover units, deputy chief of police for three years and second in command under Sheriff Rogelio "Roy" Dominguez since 2006.

"As your next sheriff, I pledge to continuing the development of effective law enforcement programs that will enhance the safety and security of all Lake County residents," Kuyachich said.