This is the final partial week on the job for Marion County Sheriff Rich Stevenson who is retiring at the end of the month after a 40-year career in law enforcement.
Stevenson joins at least eleven other sheriffs in leaving before the end of his term next December because of the provisions of the new police reform bill.
The Marion County Board has presented a plaque of appreciation to Stevenson for his work as sheriff starting in 2014 while members of the department have presented him with a Glock Pistol as a going away gift.
Stevenson, who didn’t want a going away party, was recently surprised with a cookout by members of the department and county board where he was thanked for his years of service.
Stevenson calls the Marion County Sheriff’s Department a special place.
“When I first got elected I was excited about it because I knew it was a great department and had a great group of guys and was just like an extension of a family. The comradery was unbelievable. Good hard workers, they do a great job I just can’t say enough good things about them.”
Stevenson says the public is the real loser in the police reform legislation but feels the Sheriffs and Police Chief Associations will continue to work to modify some of the harmful aspects of the law.
“A lot of stuff in this bill needs to be done. I’m all for body cameras. The question is the cost. They got to start helping out with the smaller departments to help them pay for these. I think it’s a proven fact with body cameras is that they help officers more than hinder them. So that is one of the positives about the bill.”
Stevenson is moving to Florida for his retirement.
“Going to try and sit back and play a lot of golf with my fiancé Beth. She’s a big tennis player so I’ve been taking lessons with her so we are going to do tennis, fishing, and golf.”
Stevenson says the county sheriff’s department is being left in good hands with Lieutenant Andy Garden to take the oath of office to officially become sheriff July 1st.
“He’s going to take over and you are not going to miss me. Trust me, you are not going to miss me.”
In-coming Sheriff Andy Garden (left) presenting the Department’s gift of a gun to out-going Sheriff Rich Stevenson (right).
Stevenson says Garden has been his go-to person during his time as sheriff and has lots of good ideas to move the department forward.
