By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org
Kent County administration announced Thursday that Undersheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young has been appointed Sheriff to fill the unexpired term of Sheriff Larry Stelma, who retires on Nov. 1 of this year.
Two individuals applied for the position — Undersheriff LaJoye-Young and Lt. Marc Burns. Kent County Chief Probate Judge David M. Murkowski chaired the statutorily mandated selection appointment committee and served along with Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker and Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus-Lyons. The committee’s decision was unanimous.
“The committee appreciates both candidates interest in the position and their commitment to law enforcement,” said Judge Murkowski in supplied information. “Lt. Burns has served the Kent County Sheriff’s Department well and has an impressive resume.”
“However, today it is an honor for the committee to appoint Undersheriff LaJoye-Young to the position of Kent County Sheriff,” Murkowski said. “She possesses an unparalleled knowledge of the operation and procedures of the Sheriff’s Department, having worked in every division and served in every rank in the Department.
“Furthermore, the Undersheriff enjoys wide-based community support and commands the respect of every law enforcement agency across the state of Michigan and beyond. She has demonstrated throughout her career a great capacity and ability to lead and possesses an unwavering enthusiasm for the administration of justice.”
She will also be the county’s first female Sheriff.
“The fact Michelle LaJoye-Young will serve as the first female Sheriff for Kent County serves as the perfect exclamation point to a truly momentous day,” Murkowski said.
Kent County Undersheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young’s appointment to Sheriff will be effective Nov. 1.
