Canyon County Sheriff Chris Smith has appointed Kieran Donahue, who is seeking election as Smith’s successor, as chief deputy, the sheriff’s office announced Friday afternoon.

Donahue, who had been a detective corporal and named chief criminal deputy this spring, takes the department’s No. 2 job vacated by longtime Chief Deputy Gary Deulen, who retired Monday. The chief deputy oversees sheriff’s office administration and command.

“The sheriff’s office graciously thanks Gary Deulen for his incredible insight, his dedication and his contribution to the professionalism of the sheriff’s office as well as his service to the citizens of Canyon County,” according to a county news release.

Smith, who is retiring at the end of the year, earlier endorsed Donahue as his replacement. Donahue won the May Republican primary and will face off against independent Robert Muse on the Nov. 6 general election ballot.