ELKHORN — Walworth County Sheriff Kurt Picknell announced today that he will retire at the end of the year.

Picknell has been sheriff for the past eight years.

The election for sheriff will be later this year in November. The Walworth County clerk has candidate packets, and candidates can begin circulating nomination papers on April 15.

In a statement, Picknell pointed to initiatives during his tenure including body worn cameras, a third K-9 with a deputy for patrol coverage to all three shifts, a crowd control team, enhanced jail inmate screening at booking, deputy assigned patrol squad cars, employee wellness/peer support, TRIAD crime prevention for older adults, a school resource deputy at Lakeland School and a countywide public safety radio system replacement/upgrade with projected completion in 2024.

These examples and more reflect the professional complexity of the entire operation including 911Communications, Corrections, Investigations, Patrol, and Support Services, Picknell. There are also highly skilled specialty teams, support staff, and excellent command staff leadership in place to meet future public safety challenges.

“My immediate thanks goes to the dedicated employees and their families for the 24 hours a day shared sacrifice to the mission driven focus for public safety in Walworth County,” Picknell said.

Walworth County Administrator Mark Luberda said, “His spirit of cooperation and dedication to constantly improving the Sheriff’s Office has been a benefit to everyone who lives, works, or visits the County.

Walworth County Board Chair Nancy Russell commended Picknell for his service.

“Sheriff Picknell’s shoes will be hard to fill, but I’m certain he will be available to help the transition occur smoothly,” Russell said.

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