The Michigan Sheriffs’ Association (MSA) is proud to announce that Sheriff Larry Stelma from the Kent County Sheriff’s Office has been selected as the first-ever recipient of the Terrence L. Jungel Sheriff of the Year Award.
The Terrence L. Jungel Sheriff of the Year Award is in recognition of Terry Jungel’s dedicated 20 years of service to MSA and recognizes a Sheriff who has made outstanding contributions to law enforcement and the criminal justice profession, demonstrates exceptional service to their community, and has contributed to the betterment of the MSA.
According to MSA Board President, St. Clair County Sheriff Tim Donnellon, “There is no sheriff in the state of Michigan that is more deserving of this award and the recognition that comes with it than Larry Stelma.”
According to Sheriff Kirk Wakefield of the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the past MSA president who conceived the idea of the Sheriff of the Year Award, “Sheriff Stelma has been a mentor to many past and present Michigan sheriffs. Larry is a very thoughtful,
knowledgeable, and humble sheriff. Larry is highly respected by all of his fellow Michigan sheriffs.”
Larry Stelma began his career at the Kent County Sheriff’s Office on January 3, 1972 as a deputy working various duties in the jail and eventually transferring to the road patrol. As a detective in the investigative bureau, he was awarded the Sheriff’s Office Combat Star for his efforts to save his partner when that officer was shot in the chest by a domestic violence suspect in 1980. In August 1981, Larry was promoted to sergeant on the road patrol; in 1985, he was promoted to road patrol lieutenant; and promoted to road patrol captain in January 1997. In January 1999, Larry was appointed to serve as Kent County’s Undersheriff. On January 1, 2001, Larry was elected by the citizens of Kent County to serve as their Sheriff. He has since been re-elected Kent County Sheriff for five consecutive terms.
Under Sheriff Stelma’s leadership, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office has become one of the most innovative, strategic departments in the United States. Sheriff Stelma has woven the Office of Sheriff into the fabric of the entire community. He does this through his investment in staff, he is always there to be the friend to lean on, the guiding voice in a time of need, the stern guidance in a time of uncertainty, or jovial congratulation in a moment of triumph.
The Sheriff has been intricately involved in the Law Enforcement community for decades and has been a leader in significant initiatives. These accomplishments are possible due to a strong vision and through the development of unprecedented relationships with area police chiefs, county, state and national leaders and most importantly, the citizens. These relationships enabled new initiatives that have made the Kent County Sheriff's Office the epitome of efficient and effective government.
The Terrence L. Jungel Sheriff of the Year Award was sponsored in part by Tigg’s Canteen Services.
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