SMETHPORT (EC) — Tom Kreiner of Hazel Hurst has announced his candidacy for McKean County Commissioner on the Republican ticket in the May 21 primary election.

Kreiner, who was born and raised in Bradford, graduated from Bradford Central Christian High School. He continued his education at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy.

As a registered pharmacist, he worked for Rite Aid Pharmacy in Kane as a pharmacist/manager from 1987 until 2001  and for the next four years at Tops Pharmacy in Bradford. From 2005 to 2019, Kreiner was a pharmacist at the Bradford Regional Medical Center, serving as pharmacy director from 2011 to 2019.

Kreiner’s professional experience also includes working at Larry’s Pharmacy — now Buchanan Brothers Pharmacy both of Smethport — and the Port Pharmacy in Port Allegany for his friend, Mike Farber.

After moving back to McKean County in 1987, Kreiner has resided in Hamlin Township. His local government experience includes 11 years as a Hamlin Township supervisor including chairing the three-member commission.

For the past 28 years, Kreiner has been an active member of the Hamlin Township Volunteer Fire Department, where he is a past chief and currently serves as treasurer and a director, as well as treasurer of the Firemen’s Relief Association.

He continues his volunteer community service as an emergency medical technician with the Mount Jewett Area Ambulance Association and is president of the organization’s board of directors.

An active member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic Church in Smethport, Kreiner is a lector and has been a member of the pastoral council.

He has two children. Nicole resides in Smethport and is employed by the Otto-Eldred School District. Kyle, who is employed by Mersen USA in St. Marys, resides in Johnsonburg.

Kreiner also has two grandchildren.