STURGIS, S.D.(KBHB)— Meade County Sheriff Ron Merwin is set to retire after serving 32 years as Meade County sheriff. His last day as sheriff is Friday – as incoming Sheriff, Pat West, will be sworn in.

The sheriff position is an elected position for a four-year term and in the past 68 years, Meade County has had three people hold that position.

Merwin first ran for sheriff in 1990 against Floyd Cleland, who had served as sheriff for four years, and won. He faced competition five times and three times he ran unopposed.

Merwin’s tenure of 32 years is the longest serving sheriff in Meade County followed closely by Johnny Edger who served for 31.5 years.

Speaking with KBHB Radio News today, Merwin says it’s been a good run.

Merwin says he is looking forward to the next chapter in his life.

And, Merwin credits the people he has worked with all these years.

The staff that Merwin has to supervise includes 17 deputies and a total of 56 employees that staff dispatch and the jail.

Incoming sheriff Pat West, who won the election earlier this year, will be sworn in at noon on Friday.