The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners unanimously agreed on Tuesday to appoint the sheriff’s second-in-command for the sheriff job. They’ll make it official next week.
Sheriff Matt Bostrom is retiring Tuesday. He was halfway through his second four-year term as sheriff and the county board is responsible for appointing a new sheriff until the next election in 2018.
County commissioners considered opening up the appointment to applications, but decided to interview only Jack Serier, Ramsey County Sheriff Chief Deputy. Commissioners have said they said they want the work of the sheriff’s office to continue with as little disruption as possible.
But some have been critical of the process and have said whoever gets the job will have a decided advantage come election time.
Commissioners interviewed Serier on Tuesday morning during a public meeting — he gave a presentation and they asked him questions.
“My experience as a law enforcement officer, administrator, and leader who has worked with Sheriff Bostrom for many years places me in an excellent position to ensure continuity in the Office of Sheriff,” Serier wrote in a Thursday letter to commissioners. “… . I will seek continuous process improvement for preventing and intervening in domestic violence, improving mental health in our criminal justice system, and innovating how we connect with diverse communities and youth.”
The seven commissioners unanimously agreed Tuesday to appoint Serier sheriff. They’ll vote on the matter at their board meeting next Tuesday.
Serier has 26 years of law enforcement and public safety experience. He joined the sheriff’s office in 2011 from the St. Paul police department, where he rose through the ranks to become a commander. He was also previously a patrol officer in Stillwater and Eagan.
Serier has a doctorate in leadership, policy and administration from the University of St. Thomas.