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CASS COUNTY — Come January 2025, there will be a new sheriff in Cass County. 

After 37 years of serving the citizens of Cass County, Sheriff Richard J. Behnke announced in a news release Thursday that he will not seek a third term as Cass County Sheriff. The decision was not easy; however, after discussion with his family, Behnke felt it was time to start another chapter in his life. 

Sheriff Behnke’s career started in 1987 as a Cass County Deputy Sheriff. After serving as Supervisor of the Dispatch Center, Behnke took upon the role of Undersheriff for thirteen years. Over the past eight years, he has served as the Sheriff of Cass County. He states that it has been an honor and a privilege to work with many talented and dedicated people during his career. Working with them to serve the residents and to provide a safe community has been the primary goal of the Sheriff’s Office. 

During his career at Cass County, he has worked under three other elected sheriffs and scores of deputies, corrections officers, animal control officers, dispatchers, support staff and volunteers to accomplish their goals. Sheriff Behnke thanked all of them for their dedication and professionalism. 

Sheriff Behnke said that at this time, he has no plans in which path that he will embark upon. He plans to continue living in Cass County and serving his community in some fashion. He thanked Undersheriff Clinton Roach and the command staff for their dedication to the Sheriff’s Office and to the people of Cass County.