Sheriffs Sworn into Office Across SE Minnesota
Undated (KROC-AM News)- The first full week of 2023 saw the swearing-in of several elected officials.
In Olmsted County, four new members were sworn into their positions on the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners. Several counties in Southeast Minnesota also swore in their sheriff’s this past week.
Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson took the oath of office for the third time Wednesday morning at the Olmsted County Government Center. He released the following statement on his swearing-in:
This morning begins my third term as the Olmsted County Sheriff. Oh how the time has flown by. When beginning a new phase in life I don’t think it is possible to move forward unless you reflect on the past some. So as I look back to where we as an office were then, we have made great strides and it is not reflective solely on me by any means, but those of the great Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office staff and communities we serve. If you follow our social media or our other activities in main stream media, you know we do not stand still around here. Our goal each day continues to be to find ways to help better the lives of our citizens in any way possible.
And as I look forward, we have much to be excited about with changes ahead for our office in new staff and new facilities on the horizon to only make our Office better and our ability to serve Olmsted County at an even higher level. The challenges are many, including the continued growth of our County as only one aspect. Illicit drugs and the horrors the addictions bring to individuals, families and communities is another and will bring consume much of our time and energy. Our core values of duty, honor, courage, integrity and dedication couldn’t be more in need now than ever before.
As I did four and eight years ago I ask all Olmsted County citizens and visitors to look for ways they can help support those in need and join with our Office as we reach out to serve our communities affecting one person at a time. Thank you."
In Goodhue County, Sheriff Marty Kelly was sworn into the sheriff’s office for his second time. He called it an honor and a blessing to serve the residents of Goodhue County. He took the oath of office on Wednesday.
Mower County Sheriff Steve Sandvick won reelection to his second term in office in November and was sworn in on Tuesday. Sandvick had temporarily stepped aside from some of his duties in late November amid health issues and a conduct concern.
Houston County saw a new sheriff sworn into office this week. Sheriff Brian Swedberg took the oath of Office Wednesday, replacing his predecessor Mark Inglett, who announced his retirement prior to last year’s election.
Also winning reelection last year was Winona County Sheriff Ron Ganrude, Wabasha County Sheriff Rodney Bartsch, Fillmore County Sheriff John DeGeorge and Dodge County Sheriff Scott Rose.
At the state level, Gov. Tim Walz, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flannigan, Attorney General Kieth Ellison, Secretary of State Steve Simon and State Auditor Julie Blaha all took their oaths of office following their election wins in November. Members of the Minnesota House and Senate were also sworn in as the 2023 Legislative Session gaveled into action.