Marion County now has a new sheriff. Kevin Cripps was sworn in by soon to be Appellate Court Judge Michael McHaney.
“I’m so honored to have this opportunity to serve this county and the citizens of this county. I’m blessed to be supported by my family and friends throughout this area and without your support there is no way I would be here today. I can’t say enough about the people that I have grown up with throughout this department since I started in 1997 and they have taught me a lot. All the way from the old guys to the new guys I learn something new nearly everyday.”
After the ceremony, Cripps said he is looking forward to get started.
“I think together working as a team is going to be an awesome experience. Working with the other county office holders and county board I think we can build a relationship where we can accomplish things that haven’t been accomplished before. I also thing cooperation between all the area department heads there is a good chance we can build a good team between those department heads of every police department and law enforcement agency in the region.”
Cripps was shocked to see the entire 7th and 8th grade class at Iuka Grade School in attendance. He’s worked with them earlier as Iuka Police Chief, as Iuka Grade School Board President and as a coach.
“The rapport that I’ve built with those kids is special and I want to spread that to other schools whenever I was a road deputy I used to stop by schools and build rapport with those kids. I think it’s fun and also think it’s beneficial. I think that’s our future and if we can help those kids stay out of trouble at a young age they will be a good citizen for us when they get older. And who knows, they may be a deputy sheriff one day.”
Cripps plans to serve out his term on the Iuka School Board but does not plan to run for re-election in April, but will remain active as a coach.
As his first action, Cripps swore in Kinmundy Police Chief Kevin Berry as a new deputy to replace him on the roster. Cripps says he will soon appoint a new detective and a new sergeant to fill his other duties on the department. He says those filling the two roles will not be the same person going forward.
Marion County’s new Sheriff Kevin Cripps sits with the entire 7th and 8th-grade class at Iuka Grade School that attended his swearing-in.
