Barron County will need to find a new sheriff. Sheriff Tom Richie announced he is resigning.

Sheriff Richie told NewsCenter 13 he is resigning this summer, because he has been offered a position at Wisconsin Indianhead technical college in Rice Lake as a full-time law enforcement instructor.
He says the college created a new 2-year law enforcement program and he'll be able to help develop it.

Richie has served as Barron County Sheriff for 5 and a half years, and survived a recount in November of last year. He says he has a passion for teaching and says it was a difficult decision, but he's looking forward to spending more time with his son.

He says his last day is still up in the air, but thinks he'll remain as sheriff most of the summer. He says he'll commute from Barron to Rice Lake for the new job, but is looking forward to the new challenge. He says he wants to thank the citizens who have supported him.

Richie says the governor will have to appoint his replacement.
That person will serve out his term. The next election is November of 2009.

From Barron Co. Sheriff Tom Richie:

I write to announce that I will be resigning as Barron County Sheriff sometime this summer. I have been offered a position at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Rice Lake as a full-time law enforcement instructor. I have accepted the position and look forward to the new challenges. I have a passion to teach, especially given the opportunity to teach law enforcement students. The Rice Lake college has created a new two year law enforcement program along with a police academy giving me a unique opportunity to be involved in the development of this new program right here in our community.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenges and rewards for the last 5 ½ years that I have been Sheriff, which made this decision extremely difficult.

The Barron County Sheriff’s Department is an outstanding law enforcement agency and I praise the men and women that work there. I thank the citizens of Barron County for the opportunity they gave me to serve as their Sheriff and the support that they have given me.

A start date at WITC has not been determined but is anticipated to be mid-summer. I will remain Sheriff through most of the summer before stepping down.