Island County’s loss is Lynnwood’s gain.

Lynnwood police officer Mark Brinkman, who’s nationally recognized for his amazing ability to spot drunk drivers, has decided to postpone a run for Island County Sheriff. That’s according to a report in the Whidbey News-Times. (Brinkman lives on South Whidbey.)

Brinkman is good friends with Island County Sheriff Mark Brown, who ran for the office after a career in the state patrol. Brinkman explained that he had planned, with Brown’s approval, to run for sheriff in 2014. Brown is seeking reelection this year and had planned to retire after that.

But the plans have changed. Brinkman said he simply can’t afford to be sheriff. The county commissioners switched all non-represented employees, including elected officials, to a less expensive health insurance plan. Brinkman said switching to Island County’s plan would cost him an extra $600 a month to keep his family covered.

Brinkman was featured on NBC News in 2006.

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