MARSHALL COUNTY, W.Va.-- As current Sheriff John Gruzinskas' eight-year term comes to an end in December, two men are vying to fill the open top cop seat in Marshall County.

A former chief deputy in the Marshall County Sheriff's Office, the Republican nominee is Patrick Mull.

"I'm a lifelong resident of Marshall County. I've been in law enforcement for over 35 years including 29 years at the Sheriff's Office," said Mull.

He takes on Democratic nominee and current chief deputy, Kevin Cecil.

"I've been in law enforcement, for over 26 years now," said Cecil.

Both talked to NEWS9 about their background and what they've done that makes them qualified for the position.

"I started basically at the bottom and I worked my way up. I've seen every level, I've got some new ideas, I've got some technology based ideas that will help us," said Cecil.

"I've owned a business for 14 years. I was the treasurer of the Deputy Sheriff's Association for 16 years. And I tell you that because I believe being a sheriff is not only making sure law enforcement is taken care of but being the chief financial officer of the county," said Mull.

After rigorous campaigning, both men explain why you should entrust them to protect and serve as the county's lead law enforcement officer.

"I read my opponents website, and he's just done everything, but I think about half of them, I was responsible for getting started, although again, this isn't about me. This is about making Marshall County a safer place for the citizens to live in," said Mull.

"I'm not the guy that sat behind a desk and told people what to do. I'm the guy that got his hands dirty, worked my way up and witnessed and was a part of doing what we had to do," said Cecil.

The race is one of several sheriff seats up for grabs in the northern panhandle on Tuesday.