Four mark retirements from Platte County Sheriff’s Office

By Nicole Scott

The Platte County Sheriff’s Office recently celebrated the retirement of three officers and the department’s leader.

Sheriff Mark S. Owen’s retirement was celebrated on Dec. 30 following his 33 years of service to the citizens of Platte County.

“Sheriff Owen began his life of service as a Marine, then a firefighter and moved into law enforcement,” a post on the department’s social media page said. “Several state and local agencies came to express their congratulations to Sheriff Owen. There were many stories shared. Some brought laughter and others a tear.

“Sheriff Owen has been a great leader for the Platte County Sheriff’s Office,” the post continues. “He’s helped support this community and upheld the law to great lengths. He has left a beautiful legacy for the men and women of the PCSO to continue.”

After Owen decided to retire, Major Erik Holland, Platte County’s undersheriff, was elected to replace him.

The Platte County Sheriff’s Office also held a retirement party for Sgt. Tom Taulbee, Capt. Tony Avery and Deputy Mike O’Neal, on Dec. 27.

“We can’t thank them enough for their dedication to the sheriff’s office and the citizens of Platte County,” a social media post from the sheriff’s office said. “They will be greatly missed.”