His decision comes after the current Sheriff Ennis Wright announced his retirement earlier this year.
Braden, who retired as Fayetteville Police Chief in March, said his decision to seek the appointment was based on his belief that he can still make a difference in Cumberland County and put his 29 years of experience to use, continuing to build bridges between law enforcement and the community.
ALSO SEE New Fayetteville Police Chief Roberto E. Bryan Jr. sworn in
"We really have to invest in our people, especially with the staffing shortages we've seen across the state and nation," Braden said. "To have a leader come in and say, no, I'm invested in you, you know, I think will speak a lot, especially as someone who didn't grow up in the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, to really invest my time to let them know what I hope to accomplish and how they fit into that overall goal for the sheriff's office."
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners is accepting applications for the vacant sheriff's seat until 4 p.m. on Aug. 4. The board is expected to make a decision on Aug. 11.
ALSO SEE Police chief shares his 30-60-90 strategy to tackle crime in Fayetteville: 'Have real discussion'