Sheriff Department wishes McLaren well on retirement

by Staff Writer

CASS COUNTY – The Cass County Sheriff’s Department is wishing former Cass County Sheriff Darby McLaren well in a post on the Cass County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page.

“A sad, yet also exciting day around our office,” officials said in the post. “Please help us in wishing Sheriff Darby McLaren a much deserved, hard-earned retirement! He served this community with pride and diligence for nearly 30 years! Never afraid to wrestle with the largest criminals yet humble and gentle enough to work with victims of horrendous, hateful crimes. His wisdom, work ethic and positive attitude (along with some great inner-office singing) will be greatly missed. Darby — enjoy your time with family and friends; you deserve this retirement. We’ll see you in the bleachers, on the golf course and in the fields hunting!”

The post also included a recording of his last communication with the comm center.

“On behalf of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, your family and friends, and a grateful community, we thank you for your service, sacrifice and devotion for the citizens of Cass County,” the dispatcher said in the recording. “In 1995, after joining the sheriff’s office, you quickly took to the streets leaving your mark in public safety, before being elected sheriff in 2008. You played a large role in ensuring safety in our community by removing threat and danger from our streets for the last 29 and 1/2 years. Though not every day has been a great experience, throughout your career, your dedication and resiliency has allowed you to get up day after day and continue making a difference in the lives of countless people. After 10,747 days, Sheriff Darby McLaren is officially beginning his long awaited retirement.”

John Westering, who was elected as sheriff in the election in November, said on the recording, it was “privilege” to work with McLaren, and “Thanks for the opportunity.”