Last year Kent County Sheriff Larry Stelma was named “Sheriff of the Year” by the Michigan Sheriff’s Association. This year, Stelma is calling it a career. He recently informed the Kent County Board of Commissioners his final day will be November 1st.
He was elected Kent County Sheriff in 2001. Re-elected five times Stelma began his law enforcement career in 1972. That was the when he served as a deputy in the jail. Over his 46 years in the department he’s landed in just about every division leading up to 17 years as sheriff.
As he leaves, he expressed to the Kent County Board of Commissioners serving the community is a privilege and “I consider this privilege a gift from God.”
The legislative process to appoint a replacement is underway.
Patrick Center, WGVU News.