OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. — Ottawa County's Sheriff Steve Kempker announced Monday he will not be seeking re-election this year and will instead be retiring.
Kempker served 44 years in law enforcement, 35 of those at the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office where he started in 1989.
"I have had the opportunity throughout my career to serve in many positions at the Sheriff’s Office including the last 7 years as the elected County Sheriff," said Kempker. "I look forward to spending more time with family and following other areas of interest here within Ottawa County."
Kempker also noted he was honored to have worked with "so many talented and dedicated professionals" over his years of service.
"They are dedicated to serving our communities to provide safe and secure environments, providing quality and professional law enforcement services while keeping the victims of crime as their focus," he said.
He also stated his appreciation for elected officials he worked with at the federal, state, county, and local levels and their support of the Sheriff's Office.
"This has been a rewarding career serving the citizens of Ottawa County. The entire staff of the Sheriff’s Office makes this agency what I and many others consider one of the finest Sheriff’s Offices in the State of Michigan," said Kempker.
Kempker also thanked Undersheriff Valerie Weiss for her "outstanding work ethic, integrity, and professional leadership skills, helping to make this agency and the careers of many staff a success." Weiss announced her retirement earlier this month. Kempker promoted Weiss to Undersheriff in 2017, she served in that position until her retirement.
Kempker stated his gratitude for his Command Team as well, describing them as the best of the best. "(The team's) hard work, professionalism, and dedicated commitment are of the highest quality levels in the support and service (they) provide to many," he said.
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