Jim Marshall takes top police job; out of sheriff’s race

The Lyon County Sheriff’s race took a turn this week when candidate Jim Marshall pulled out of the race to accepted the position of Director of Public Safety in Marshall — the city’s top police job.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have supported me for the position of sheriff in the primary election in Lyon County.

I’m blessed to have many hard-working friends and family that I will always be grateful to for their work and effort,” said Marshall, who won the primary election over second place Eric Wallen.

Now Wallen is the recipient of Marshall’s new opportunity as the only remaining official candidate for the county’s top law enforcement position.

The Marshall position opened after Jim Marshall began an effort to replace the retiring Mark Mather. “The Director of Public Safety opportunity did not exist at the time I filed my candidacy for Lyon County Sheriff.

Current Director of Public Safety, Rob Yant, announced his retirement in August and the selection of his replacement began after the primary election,” explained Marshall.

The election started with four candidates — Wallen, Marshall, Steve Louwagie and Tony Rolling. Marshall led all four in the primary with 1,437 votes.

Wallen garnered 1,371. Louwagie had 728 and Rolling 529. “My goal during my career has been to have the opportunity to provide leadership to a professional organization that has a vision of providing high level service to its citizens and community.

For 26 years, the City of Marshall has provided opportunities to me that have prepared me for this leadership role,” Marshall said after he’d accepted the City of Marshall job. He was offered the job Tuesday and will begin December 1.

“I’m pleased to announce that I have accepted the position and look forward to continuing my career with the Marshall Police Department,” Marshall said.

While he had a chance to win the sheriff’s job, it appears his desire to stay with the Marshall Police Department was greater. “The chance to live out my career goal for a community that has been so supportive of it police department is exciting.

As we continue to move forward, I will strive to develop and cultivate community relationships that will bring trust and transparency,” he said.

“I will work close with our officers and staff to identify meaningful objectives that reduce crime, strengthen our workplace environment, and enhance the quality of life in Marshall,” said Marshall.

He added that, “After much discussion with my family, we agreed it was a great opportunity to continue serving the city I have been committed to for my entire career.”

He also said he intends to strengthen the relationship between the Marshall Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office, “By working close with the newly elected Sheriff and encourage both organizations to follow the strong ethical values outlined in our oath that focus on integrity, character, and public trust.”