The Missouri Deputy Sheriffs’ Association announced Thursday that it’s endorsing state Sen. Chris Koster, D-Harrisonville, for state attorney general.

The group praised Koster’s past as Cass County’s prosecuting attorney, a post that he held for 10 years.

Koster previously has garnered the support of the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police, and the Missouri State Council of Firefighters.

“Due to Senator Koster’s law enforcement experience and his historic support of law enforcement…[the] Missouri Deputy Sheriffs’ Association announces its endorsement of Senator Chris Koster for the elected State office of Attorney General,” said David Boehm, president of the Missouri Deputy Sheriffs’ Association.

The Missouri Deputy Sheriffs’ Association was organized in 1988 to represent the interests of sheriffs and deputies across Missouri.

Koster, who switched political parties last August, is competing against state Reps. Jeff Harris of Columbia and Margaret Donnelly of Richmond Heights for the Democratic nomination for attorney general. Both also have collected numerous endorsements.