On Wednesday, the Berrien County Sheriff Appointment Committee interviewed all five candidates vying for the opportunity to serve as interim sheriff of Berrien County. At the conclusion of the public interviews and public comment, the appointment committee chose current Undersheriff Chuck Heit to serve.
“I’m thankful for their confidence in me to serve. I will work hard to make sure to earn the fact that they made the right decision and to serve Bering County to the best of my abilities,” said Heit.
The committee voted unanimously to give Heit the position for the reasons given of his experience, his leadership with current initiatives at the sheriff’s department, and his demonstrated commitment to community service.
During the public comment portion of the hearing, unanimous support was given to Heit from elected Democrats and Republicans, business leaders, and current and former law enforcement officers.
Heit will serve the unexpired portion of the current sheriff’s term. Sheriff Paul Bailey announced his retirement effective at the end of this year. The Sheriff Appointment Committee, determined by statute, was composed of Prosecutor Steve Pierangeli, Chief Probate Judge Mabel Mayfield, and Clerk Sharon Tyler.
The election for a new sheriff is a four year term and will be held next November. Soon-to-be Interim Sheriff Heit is among the declared candidates for that race.
