UPDATE: Miles leaving elected office after 10 years in job

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Davison County Sheriff Dave Miles pulled the trigger on retirement Tuesday, but he did so by proxy.

Chief Deputy Steve Brink submitted Miles’ letter of resignation to the Davison County commissioners on Miles’ behalf during the commission’s regular weekly meeting at the courthouse in Mitchell. Miles was out of town due to a family death that occurred over the weekend.

His letter to the commissioners states that Jan. 18 will be his final day in office.

Miles had earlier hinted he was considering retirement but declined, as late as Friday, to acknowledge that an announcement was imminent.

A Democrat, Miles was first elected in 2002 when he ran against Kim Moline. Miles took office Jan. 6, 2003.

He won re-election in 2006 against Walt Panzirer and ran unopposed in 2010. His current term of office ends in December 2014.

Auditor Susan Kiepke said it will be up to the commissioners to appoint a successor to finish out the remainder of Miles’ term. After that time, the office would be up for election.

In his letter to the commissioners, Miles wrote, “I want the board to know that I have enjoyed the past 10 years that I have served as sheriff, I’m happy with the working relationship I had with the commissioners. We were able to work together, allowing my office to be more capable in doing the job that I was elected to do by the people of Davison County.”

Miles recommended Chief Deputy Steve Brink to be his successor.

“He knows the operation of the office and I strongly support him to be the next sheriff of Davison County,” Miles wrote.

The commissioners — minus Commissioner Gerald Weiss, who was attending a funeral and was absent — unanimously accepted Miles’ letter of resignation. No further action was taken.

Commission Chairman John Claggett said he will confer with legal counsel and confirm how to proceed with appointing a successor. The commissioners are not bound by Miles’ recommendation to hire Brink, he said, but the recommendation will be taken under consideration.

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