Committee appoints Undersheriff Brian Muir as Kent County Sheriff

The Kent County Sheriff appointment committee voted to appoint Undersheriff Brian Muir to fill the vacancy created by Sheriff Michelle LaJoy Young’s upcoming retirement. A committee member moved to appoint "Undersheriff Brian Mura" (transcript variant); multiple committee members then spoke in support and the Chair called the question. On the record several members said "I," and the Chair announced the motion carried.

Committee members praised Muir’s long service and recommended him for the post based on experience and local ties. In support of the appointment one member said the candidate’s "experience, your credentials speak for themselves" and cited letters of recommendation from local police chiefs, the Grand Rapids Chamber and the Public Defender’s Office. The committee discussed the public nature of the appointment process and the expectation that the appointee may run for the office in the next election. No public comments were offered during the meeting.