On May 3, 2023, Sheriff Kast shared his plans to retire effective June 30, 2023, with the Marion County Board of Commissioners and the Sheriff’s Office team.
In a message to the Sheriff’s Office team, Sheriff Kast stated:
“These past 4 years have been a very interesting time for the Sheriff’s Office and the County as well. We worked through many “normal” incidents in our profession, but also through 4 declared emergency situations including incredible fires, a heat storm, and an ice storm. Each of these declared emergency situations was unique, but they also happened under the umbrella of the pandemic too. You all worked through each of these situations, as well as the “normal” things we deal with in our profession, with amazing perseverance and exceptional performance in so many ways that it’s hard to describe everything you accomplished!
I have been in this profession for over 31 years, in addition to my military service and service during the buildup to the first gulf war in 1990-1991, I have now over 36 years serving my community and my country. I am very proud of this career, but mostly to have worked alongside you all. In each area of my career, I have been honored to work alongside every person I have had the opportunity to work with, regardless of what rank or position I have been in. This office has proven, time and again, that we are here to serve the people in our community with dignity and respect, while providing exceptional customer service to the County.”
As Sheriff Kast reflected upon his extensive law enforcement career, he stated, “I am going to miss this job and profession, but mostly I will miss the women and men of the Sheriff’s Office and their dedication to serving our community.”
The Marion County Board of Commissioners will be coordinating the process to appoint a successor to complete the remainder of Sheriff Kast’s elected term which ends on December 31, 2024. Additional details about the selection process will be released tomorrow, May 5, 2023, by the Marion County Board of Commissioners.
