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Gray goes off duty as sheriff
Scary. Bittersweet.
These were just a couple of the words used by outgoing Bourbon County Sheriff Ron Gray to describe his feelings on leaving his position during a reception in his honor Thursday at the Bourbon County Courthouse.
Friends, colleagues and county employees were among those who stopped by the reception to visit with and share thoughts and memories with Gray, who has worked in law enforcement in Bourbon County for more than 20 years. The reception took place on the day before Gray's last day as sheriff.
"I'm really going to miss it," he said.
Gray has worked for 23 years in law enforcement in Bourbon County; about six years as sheriff and eight years as a deputy and undersheriff. He started with the sheriff's office in 1999 as a deputy and was promoted to undersheriff in 2005-06. Prior to his time with the sheriff's office, he served for several years with the Fort Scott Police Department as a patrol officer and later as a lieutenant.
"I worked my way up," Gray said.
Gray said he plans to work in the Kansas City area where he has family and has already accepted a position there, although he didn't provide further details on his new job. He said he doesn't have any immediate plans to retire.
"I'm going to miss everybody in the community," Gray said. "There were a lot of good times and a lot of bad times. Mainly I will miss the people. This has been a good place to raise a family."
Gray's wife works in the Kansas City area and before he has only been able to visit his family on weekends. Gray said he has children who are now grown. He has only seen his family on a limited basis the last three years.
Gray's job over the years has entailed working with other area law enforcement agencies, such as sheriff's departments in other counties and those closer to home like the Fort Scott Police Department.
"Ron is a good guy," FSPD Chief Travis Shelton said. "He's been part of my career, all through it. He's been a good resource over the years."
Shelton and a handful of other FSPD officers, BBSO Undersheriff Bill Martin and deputies and even some local fire department personnel attended Gray's reception. Shelton said it is important for the police and sheriff departments to work well together and Gray has helped in that cooperation.
"Crime doesn't stay in the city and it doesn't stay in the county," Shelton said. "A good working relationship is critical to address those issues of crime."
Bourbon County Deputy Sheriff Mark Kase said he considers Gray to be not just a valued coworker, but a close friend.
"It's been a privilege to work with him," Kase said. "He's been the finest law enforcement officer I've worked with and for. He's an asset, truly an asset ... we've forged a special relationship over the years working together; a bond of trust. He's been a huge benefit to this community."
Kase added that whoever eventually replaces Gray will have some "big shoes to fill."
Bourbon County Commissioner Harold Coleman has said that Gray was the first Republican sheriff in the county in 73 years. Gray was hired by Coleman more than 23 years ago and served under him during part of Coleman's 30-plus year run as sheriff. Coleman said he has the utmost respect for Gray, not only as a law enforcement officer, but also as a close friend.
The Bourbon County Republican Party plans to convene Monday to vote on a replacement for Gray who will serve as interim sheriff until the November 2014 General Election.
From the time Gray submitted his resignation to the governor, Brownback had 21 days to contact the Bourbon County Republican Committee chairman so a meeting could be called.
The committee's recommendation will be submitted to Brownback who has seven days to make the appointment, according to Kendell Mason, Bourbon County clerk.
Undersheriff Bill Martin will step up as acting Bourbon County Sheriff at 12 a.m. Saturday when he will be sworn in by County Attorney Terri Johnson.