News Photo by Julie Riddle Judge Ed Black, left, faces new Alpena County Sheriff Erik Smith in the Alpena County Courthouse on Friday. Following Smith’s swearing-in ceremony, Ed insisted that photographers join him in the front of the courtroom while he reenacted the ceremony to place the emphasis on Smith. “He’s the important one,” Black said.

ALPENA — Alpena County Undersheriff Erik Smith will replace retired Steven Kieliszewski as Alpena County Sheriff, a committee announced on Friday.

Per state guidelines, a committee consisting of Alpena County Probate Judge Alan Curtis, Alpena County Clerk Keri Bertrand, and Alpena County Prosecutor Cynthia Muszynski appointed Kieliszewski’s replacement.

Smith, 44, will fill the remainder of Kieliszewski’s term. Should Smith wish to retain the office, he will have to run in the 2024 election.

Smith was sworn in as sheriff around 4:30 p.m. on Friday, shortly after the deadline for applying for consideration by the committee passed.

“I don’t really feel any different than I did a few hours ago,” Smith said after the ceremony. “It’s just a big job, just like the undersheriff was. You’ve got to think things through and try to make the best decisions about what’s right for our agency and our community. It’s really no different.”

Curtis would not confirm whether the committee had received other applications for the positions.

“I can confirm that Erik Smith is our choice,” Curtis said.

Smith has served as undersheriff since appointment to the position in 2019.

A 1996 graduate of Alpena High School, he started work with the Alpena County Sheriff’s Office in 2007 after more than five years with the Alcona County Sheriff’s Office.

Smith’s work for Alpena County has included roles as firearms instructor, marine patrol and fire investigations officer, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Safety Program instructor, and dive team member.

He spent 10 years as Thunder Bay Junior High School liaison officer and served on the Northern Michigan Mutual Aid Emergency Response Team.

“He knows what he’s doing,” Kielisewski said of his successor. “He’s well prepared. He’s going to do an excellent job for Alpena County.”

Kieliszewski marked his last day in office on Friday after announcing his retirement in late April.

Julie Riddle can be reached at 989-358-5693 or jriddle@thealpenanews.com. Follow her on Twitter @jriddleX.