Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young, the first woman to hold the county's top law enforcement job, will retire in October after a 37-year career with the department, opening up the leadership of one of West Michigan's largest law enforcement agencies.
Her plans were first reported today. As reported by MLive, LaJoye-Young told county leaders she intends to step down in October, and local officials said transition details will be announced in the coming weeks.
From Corrections Deputy To Sheriff
LaJoye-Young joined the Kent County Sheriff's Office as a corrections deputy in 1989 and moved through communications, patrol, and support services before becoming undersheriff in 2015, according to the county's staff directory and internal profiles from the Kent County Sheriff's Office.
Biographical notes from MCSheriffs recount how she was appointed sheriff in 2018, then went on to win a four-year term in November 2020. Local coverage of that appointment, including early reporting from FOX17, framed it as a historic milestone for the department.
Undersheriff Bryan Muir Eyes The Post
Undersheriff Bryan Muir, a long-time department leader who has served in patrol and support services, told reporters he plans to seek appointment to serve out the remainder of LaJoye-Young's term, according to MLive. The retirement report notes his high profile inside the office.
The Grand Rapids Chamber also lists Muir among participants in its local leadership programs, underscoring his visibility in the community and familiarity with county operations.
What The Transition Could Look Like
Under common practice in Michigan, the undersheriff typically assumes command when a sheriff's post becomes vacant and stays in place until a successor is appointed or elected. County-level guides explain that the undersheriff serves in the sheriff's stead while the vacancy is resolved, a process sketched out in materials from Mackinac County.
County communications highlight ongoing work on several high-profile projects, including federal support for a planned real-time intelligence center, and indicate those efforts will continue through any leadership change. Planning details appear in the Kent County Administrator's Digest, which notes that near-term priorities include maintaining command-level continuity while officials finalize a formal appointment process.
LaJoye-Young's retirement will take effect in October 2026, and the sheriff's office directory continues to list Bryan Muir as undersheriff in county records. County leaders say they will announce a timeline and process for filling the vacancy soon, and local outlets are expected to track applications and any commission actions as they unfold.
