NORTH ADAMS — Daniel E. Bosley officially launched his campaign to become Berkshire County sheriff on Wednesday night, and he had a message for those who believe he's not qualified.

He said a strong sheriff needs ample experience in government and budget control, and nixed the idea that being a police officer inherently makes a candidate qualified.

"Don't let anyone try to simplify the role of sheriff," he said in front of a crowd of about 170 supporters at the American Legion. "It is complex and complicated, and we need a person who has experience in all of these areas and not just one area of this job."

Bosley, who is currently serving his 12th term as state representative of the First Berkshire District, will run against Thomas N. Bowler, a Pittsfield Police detective, for the office of retiring incumbent Carmen C. Massimiano Jr.

Bosley officially announced his candidacy in January.

Some of the supporters in attendance Wednesday included Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts President Mary Grant, City Councilors Lisa Blackmer and Alan Marden, and former Mayor John Barrett III.

"Dan Bosley is a longtime friend, and we certainly worked together for the entire time I was

Former Mayor John Barrett III, a good friend of Bosley's, attended the campaign launch.

Rep. Daniel E. Bosley

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Daniel E. Bosley will officially launch his campaign for sheriff of Berkshire County on Wednesday, May 12.

Bosley, a Democrat who has represented the 1st Berkshire District in the state Legislature since 1987, is running to fill the post being vacated by Sheriff Carmen Massimiano.

The official campaign kickoff event will be held at the American Legion beginning at 7 p.m.

Bosley said he plans to put his background in public policy, public financing and public safety to work running an effective and proactive sheriff's office and a jail that is not only secure but cost- and resource-efficient.

During his 24 years serving the 1st Berkshire District, Bosley said he has shown consistent leadership in the areas of budgeting and economic development. As sheriff, Bosley will draw on his experience to ensure the Berkshire County sheriff's office, the jail and House of Correction, and the programs run by the sheriff's office receive fair funding from the state. Additionally, he said he will bring to the office an innovative approach that will allow him to improve systems and programs, making Berkshire County a safer place to live while conserving taxpayer dollars.

He would like to thank everyone who has helped him in the past and talk about his future vision for Berkshire County sheriff and the Berkshire House of Corrections.

The public is invited to celebrate his formal kick-Off for the race for Berkshire County sheriff.

Tom Bowler, the Pittsfield Police detective running for Berkshire County sheriff, put another feather in his cap this morning with an endorsement from the Berkshire County Police Chiefs Association.

The monthly roundup of the county's top cops met at the Williams Inn and the gathering included District Attorney David F. Capeless and Berkshire Brigades leader Lee Harrison.

This is Bowler's second endorsement from his brothers and sisters in blue. Local 297 International Brotherhood of Correctional Officers overwhelmingly backed the former jail worker in a vote last month. Other high-ranking officers have indicated support for Bowler but won't publicly endorse anyone until after an expected primary on Sept. 14 between he and Rep. Daniel E. Bosley.

The endorsements bode ill for Bosley, the only other candidate who's confirmed he's in the race. The veteran legislator, however, isn't running on a law enforcement background but on the issues of rehabilition, education and social ills and his Beacon Hill contacts. Four others have taken out papers. Each candidate must gather 500 signatures by April 27.