Kerry Stover

(Editor’s Note: This column was submitted by Clinton County Sheriff Kerry Stover, who has announced he will retire from his role in September of this year.)

After more than a decade serving the residents of Clinton County as their Sheriff, I, Kerry W. Stover, am announcing my retirement, effective late September of this year.

I am currently in my 11th year as sheriff, a position that has meant a great deal to me and my family over the years. But it is time to close this meaningful chapter of my life, hopefully defined by public safety, community partnerships and professional service.

It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the residents of Clinton County as your sheriff. I have never taken lightly the responsibility of being one of only 67 sheriffs in the state of Pennsylvania, and one of fewer than 3,100 sheriffs in the United States.

The PA Sheriffs Association is a small and distinguished group of which I am very proud to have served with and on their executive board as treasurer over the years. I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me by the voters of Clinton County over the course of three elections. Everyone’s support from both Democrats and Republicans has never been taken for granted. It proves both parties can come together and support a good candidate with a solid approach to being a public servant. This has meant so much to me and my family that words just cannot fully express.

Over my years as the sheriff and almost 10 as a deputy, I have worked alongside a dedicated team of deputies and administrative staff as we tried to uphold the highest standards of law enforcement while fostering strong relationships within the community. I am proud to have advanced the sheriff’s office by securing grant money, bringing body worn cameras, in-car cameras, patrol rifles and shotguns to the office, all of which were secured without utilizing county tax dollars.

I have also spearheaded numerous safety and security initiatives throughout Clinton County without adding the costs to our taxpayers. We have added walk-through metal detectors and X-ray machines at the Garden and Piper buildings, as well as enhancing the key fob access system to better protect employees and secure facilities such as the Court of Common Please, Domestic Relations, Probation and Children and Youth services.

One thing I am very proud of is the engagement with the community over the years. One example is when I had an idea for a new event for our area, the Clinton County First Responders Night Out. I presented this idea to our District Attorney Dave Strouse, who immediately agreed to co-chair this event with me. We are celebrating our 5th annual event this Aug. 15 at the Piper Complex.

This event is geared towards relationship building between our youth but also provides a great place for adults to come meet and see what so many first responders within our communities do for us every day.

Dave and I have so many great sponsors which allows us to provide this event absolutely free of charge to everyone who attends, including free food and drinks.

Additionally, I hosted many firearms concealed carry training and held seminars with retired PA State Representative Mike Hanna and current Rep. Stephanie Borowicz.

Before being elected sheriff, I had the honor of serving under retired Sheriff Charles “Chuck” Ankney. The mentorship, experience and guidance I received from Sheriff Ankney helped shape both my passion for the sheriff’s office and my appreciation for the judicial system. It was only after Sheriff Ankney announced he would not seek reelection that I made the decision to run for sheriff myself.

Beyond law enforcement, the fire service has also been a lifelong passion of mine. I previously served as chief of a volunteer fire department and continue to this day serving as a volunteer, primarily as a supplemental driver in the Lock Haven Fire Department. My involvement in the fire service began at the age of 16, inspired by watching my father volunteer in our community as well.

I also want to express my sincere gratitude to my entire family — especially my wife, daughter, son and his family — for their unwavering love, encouragement and support throughout the years. I simply could not have done this job without them.

And last but certainly not the least, to the residents of Clinton County, I hope you know how truly thankful I am for the confidence you placed in me and for the support you continuously showed both me and the sheriff’s office. Your belief in me has been a constant source of motivation to not let you down throughout my career and inspired me every day to serve to the best of my ability.

Although I am retiring as your sheriff, I will still remain part of this community, and I am certain I will continue to see many of you in the years ahead. While I am deeply grateful for my time serving as your sheriff, I also look forward to the next chapter of my life and the opportunities it may bring.

As I always end my letters or emails: Take Care and Be Safe!!!