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Kent County sheriff announces retirement during legislative tribute
Summary
Sheriff Michelle LaJoie Young told the Kent County Board of Commissioners on July 9 that she is retiring after a long tenure; state representatives presented a tribute and commissioners praised her leadership and named deputies set to take on roles.
Sheriff Michelle LaJoie Young announced her retirement to the Kent County Board of Commissioners during a legislative tribute on July 9, thanking staff and praising the department’s recent accomplishments.
The announcement came after state representatives joined the board to present a citation recognizing LaJoie Young’s service. Addressing the board, LaJoie Young said, “I am announcing my retirement today,” and described her pride in the department’s accreditation and new initiatives such as the real-time crime center.
The tribute noted a Michigan Sheriffs' Association Presidential Citation and Medal presented to LaJoie Young. The sheriff singled out her leadership team, naming Under Sheriff Muir and chief deputies Lindsey Cole and Jason Kelly, and said she expects those leaders to carry programs forward.
Chair Green and several commissioners thanked LaJoie Young for her years of service and said the board plans a future recognition. The board did not take any formal action related to succession at the July 9 meeting; the sheriff said she would not leave until leadership was ready.
The tribute and the retirement announcement took place as part of a special order of business and did not include a vote. Commissioners and others who spoke during the tribute emphasized gratitude for LaJoie Young’s service and the department’s contributions to public safety.
The board signaled it will consider formal recognition at a later meeting; no personnel appointments or specific effective dates were announced at the session.
