Applicants for Wayne County sheriff to continue interviews Friday Detroit — Wayne County officials were scheduled Friday to finish interviewing the 14 applicants vying to replace Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon, who died last month following a battle with COVID-19. According to Michigan election law, if a county sheriff is elected but dies before the new term starts, "the vacancy shall be filled within 15 days after the beginning of the term for which he was elected." State law empowers the county clerk, prosecutor and chief probate judge to appoint people to elected positions if the official vacates the seat before the term is over.