We write today to say congratulations to Sheriff Steve Kieliszewski on his pending retirement and to say congratulations and thank you to him for his 34 years protecting Northeast Michigan through the Alpena County Sheriff’s Office.

His last day in office will be May 20, the sheriff announced in a press conference Monday covered by News staff writer Julie Riddle.

While Kieliszewski’s career has not been without controversy — the 2019 forced resignation of then-undersheriff Terry King comes to mind — the sheriff has overall served this community well.

Voters apparently agree, with the sheriff earning about 59% of the vote in his last contested election, the 2020 primary race against King. Kieliszewski ran unopposed in the primary.

Congratulations, sheriff, on a job well done, and happy retirement.

All eyes now turn to the committee consisting of Alpena County Probate Judge Alan Curtis, Alpena County Clerk Keri Bertrand, and Alpena County Prosecutor Cynthia Muszynski, which will appoint someone to fill the remainder of Kieliszewski’s term, through the 2024 election.

Alpena County Undersheriff Erik Smith announced Monday he intends to submit his name to the committee for consideration for the appointment.

Sheriff is an important job, and we believe Smith would serve those duties well.

But we urge residents to stay involved and talk to that three-person committee about who you think would best fill the role.

Details about the timing of the committee’s meetings haven’t yet been announced.