The marshal and a former Columbus mayor endorsed Sheriff John Darr at a Tuesday news conference, publicly stating their support a week after defeated Democratic candidate Pam Brown said she'd joined Republican Mark LaJoye's campaign for sheriff.

Darr appeared Tuesday with Marshal Greg Countryman and former Mayor Bob Poydasheff, both of whom threw their political weight behind the winner of the Democratic primary. Seeking his second term in office, Darr will face LaJoye in November.

"He's not afraid of a challenge," Countryman said in a west wing conference

room of the Government Center. "He is a sheriff that inspects what he expects of himself."

Countryman said he's worked closely with Darr for almost four years, and the pair has collaborated on programs such as Operation Safe Schools, which gives deputies the chance to interact with students.

Poydasheff, who was Columbus mayor from 2003 to 2006, said Darr possesses qualities he looked for when helping create the local homeland security task force. "I look for a team player," Poydasheff said. "I look for honesty. He knows management. He's been in the office."

Paul Voorhees, the marshal office's chaplain, also endorsed Darr at Tuesday's news conference.

Darr said he was humbled by the endorsements and encouraged people to visit his website -- www.sheriffjohndarr.com -- to learn more.

"I hope when people see those things, it's like most people say: I'd rather see a sermon than hear a sermon," Darr said.