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LANCASTER, MO. -- Two candidates are running for Schuyler County sheriff following the October death of longtime Sheriff Donnie Bruner.

Greentop resident Josh Dole and Acting Sheriff Carl "Fritz" Gottman will square off in a special election next month.

Gottman, the Democratic candidate, previously worked as Bruner's chief deputy for all the years Bruner was sheriff.

He said he believes he's ready to take over the job full-time.

"I've been doing it for quite awhile. I mean I've had all the schooling, and we have to have so many hours (of training) every year extra on (top of) what we already had when we were certified, so we keep that up," said Gottman.

Gottman's Republican challenger is Josh Dole of Greentop.

Dole is a 2008 graduate of Culver-Stockton College in Canton, where he received a degree in Criminal Justice.

Dole told KTVO he thinks it's time for a change at the Schuyler County Sheriff's Department.

"I just think it's time for new blood to help the community out, get new ideas in there, work on grants, focus more on grants, more money for the department," said Dole.

The special election for Schuyler County Sheriff is set for December 15.

Bruner died in October after suffering a heart attack.