2023 Candidate Profile: Kevin Dykes Runs For Chester County Sheriff

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — Kevin Dykes, chief deputy sheriff of Chester County, is running on the Democratic ticket for sheriff to lead the department in maintaining safety in the courts and beyond.

The office also issues gun permits, transfers prisoners, and more in the 759-square-mile county with a population of over 530,000.

Patch asked both candidates for the sheriff to answer questions about their background and reasons for running for public office.

Roy Kofroth, a retired park ranger and former sheriff's deputy, is the Republican candidate.

The sheriff has a four-year term and an annual salary of $74,320.

Kevin Dykes is the Democratic candidate

• Residence: East Marlborough Township. Dykes is a 30+-year resident of Chester County, a father and a grandfather.
• Education: FBI National Academy in Quantico
• Work Experience: 42 years of experience in law enforcement, including chief deputy sheriff, Chester County detective, and state trooper assigned to the Avondale and Embreeville barracks. As a detective, he led high-profile criminal investigations, including the case of the victim Bianca Roberson, who was fatally shot in the head in a 2017 road rage incident on Route 100.
• Endorsements: State Sen. Carolyn Comitta; Chester County State Police Troopers FOP Lodge 66; Pennsylvania Troopers Association, West Chester Councilman Brian J. McGinnis; and others.

Dykes' campaign website is available here.

Question 1: Why do you want to be the sheriff of Chester County?

Answer: Dykes said he hopes to be elected sheriff to continue serving the residents of Chester County maintaining safety.

"As your next sheriff, I will model professionalism and pride, and continue building an office that sets the standard for law enforcement," Dykes said.

He noted that most recently he served as an integral part of the law enforcement team providing coordination in the capture of escaped murderer Danilo Cavalcante who was on the run for two weeks.

Question 2: What are the primary responsibilities of the sheriff's office?

Answer: The sheriff’s office is responsible for ensuring the safety of the Chester County Justice Center and government buildings, transporting prisoners, and administering a$6 million budget.

The office also issues gun permits and precious metal licenses, does fingerprinting, runs real estate sheriff sales, and collects protection-from-abuse fees.

Question 3: What if any changes would you make in the office you were elected to the position?

Answer: Dykes said if elected he plans to expand recruiting efforts and provide exceptional training and leadership. Dykes also said he would establish greater collaboration with municipal law enforcement for faster response in emergencies and special events.

In addition, Dyke said, he would develop and implement a team to respond to countywide emergencies such as protests, demonstrations, civil unrest, and disasters.