Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey has been honored by the Berrien County Board of Commissioners.
At a Thursday meeting, the board approved a resolution saluting Bailey for being an asset to the county and wishing him a happy retirement. Bailey’s time as sheriff will end this month.
Commissioner Jim Curran read from the board’s resolution.
“Beyond the badge, he was active in the communities and organizations across the county, and not only active, but selfless of his time and talents for the good of others,” Curran said.
It was a packed house at the Berrien County Administration Building with police, elected officials, and community leaders all there to honor Bailey. He’s been in law enforcement since 1979 and has served as sheriff since 2001.
Bailey said it’s been his honor.
“It’s been a wonderful career,” Bailey said. “I’ve had wonderful people that I’ve surrounded myself with. I wouldn’t have been able to do this job on my own. I had people that did the divisions, they did it to the best of their ability, and I’ve just been blessed to be the sheriff for 23 years.”
Bailey thanked his family for supporting him when the job often kept him away from home. His successor as interim sheriff, current Undersheriff Chuck Heit, said Bailey has always looked out for the well being of his department and the community.
Bailey’s retirement, taking effect December 31, comes a year before his term was to end. He’s told us he looks forward to spending more time with his grandkids.
Pictured: Bailey and Berrien County Board of Commissioners Chair Mac Elliott.
