On Wednesday, longtime Pike Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Bartley announced his plans to retire following the completion of his current term in office. On Thursday, the first prospective candidate to fill the office announced his intention to run.

Pikeville Attorney Bill Slone said he plans to file in the coming days to run for Pike Commonwealth’s Attorney. Slone is a military veteran and served as a law enforcement officer for 12 years, splitting time with Pikeville Police and Kentucky State Police. He said his record of service and his familiarity with criminal justice will set him apart from others who declare for the race for Commonwealth’s Attorney.

Wednesday marked the first day prospective candidates could file to seek political office in next year’s election cycle. As of Thursday, no candidates had filed to run for Commonwealth’s Attorney in Pike County.

Slone has practiced law since 2013. Prior to that, between 1988 and 2009, Slone was an owner and operator of Gatti’s Pizza restaurants in Pikeville and Wise, Virginia. His law enforcement career spanned from 1976 to 1988.

Slone was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in June 1976, having achieved the rank of E-4.

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