Working together we have made Cook County a safer place to live.
Cook County Sheriff Mark Falk has informed Cook County commissioners that he will be taking an early retirement and not finishing his elected term of office, which would have ended January 30, 2015. Falk has served as sheriff since 2005 and first started working in the department in 1991.
Falk sent commissioners a letter, which was accepted at the board’s May 13, 2014 meeting. He said he couldn’t attend the meeting in person but asked commissioners to contact him if they had any questions.
“It is with mixed emotions and regret that I announce my retirement from the Office of Cook County Sherriff effective at 11:59 p.m. June 30, 2014. Back in December when I officially announced I was not seeking re-election in 2014, I fully intended on finishing out my term. However, sweeping changes that go into effect on July 1, 2014 in the PERA police and fire fund have forced me to reevaluate my deferred retirement date.”
Falk continued, “I met with my Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) and was advised that I stand to have my deferred pension reduced significantly if I were to continue working past June 30, 2014. Regretfully I have decided to retire before my term is completed leaving the office of Cook County Sheriff vacant.”
Although the county board has the authority to appoint someone to fill the vacancy, Falk has recommended that his Chief Deputy Leif Lunde fill the office through the end of his January 30, 2015 term.
“I have worked closely with Chief Lunde for several years, but more so since he was appointed chief deputy sheriff on February 1, 2005. He has tirelessly approached his work with dedication and commitment. He has the ability to multitask through the frequent barrage of current, new and unexpected assignments. He is analytical in his approach to law enforcement, thinking outside the box, diagnosing problems and providing solutions. He is respected by his peers and has developed relationships with not only sheriff ’s office staff, but with our partners both in and outside law enforcement, and with the community as a whole.
“He has the knowledge and the skills necessary to provide for a smooth transition and maintain continuity until the newly elected sheriff is sworn in,” wrote Falk.
Last winter Deputy Lunde announced he was running for the sheriff ’s position. Since then Deputy Pat Eliasen has also announced that he, too, is running for the sheriff ’s job.
Falk thanked his staff and his wife Sue, and their three children Seth, Sasha and Sarissa for all of their support.
“It has been an absolute honor to serve you and the citizens of Cook County as your sheriff. I appreciate all the support the sheriff ’s office has received throughout the years from you the county commissioners, other county departments and employees, City of Grand Marais, Grand Portage Indian Reservation, partner agencies, and the citizens of Cook County.
“Working together we have made Cook County a safer place to live,” said Falk in his letter.
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