(CENTREVILLE) – A familiar face will be taking over the position of St. Joseph County Sheriff for 2020.

St. Joseph County Clerk Lindsay Oswald announced on Wednesday that Undersheriff Mark Lillywhite had been appointed to finish out the term of Sheriff Brad Balk, who announced he was retiring January 31, 2020.

Oswald, along with Judge David Tomlinson and County Prosecutor John McDonough were tasked with finding the person to finish Balk's term. She says two candidates applied and were interviewed by the committee for qualifications in law enforcement, knowledge of internal operations and ability to carry out duties for the remainder of the term.

Oswald says it was the committee's unanimous decision to appoint Lillywhite for the remainder of the term, which ends December 31, 2020. She says Lillywhite has been instrumental in every aspect of the Sheriff's Department as second in command since 2009.

WBET spoke to Lillywhite who said he wasn't surprised when Balk asked him to consider putting his name in as a candidate. LINKC.

Lillywhite says his background puts him in a good position to finish Balk's term and run for the position in 2020. LINKD.

Lillywhite is a certified law enforcement officer with 25 years of experience.