Steve Brink appointed to serve as Davison County sheriff

• Steve Brink

Steve Brink

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The Davison County Commission voted unanimously Tuesday at the courthouse in Mitchell to appoint Chief Deputy Steve Brink as sheriff.

Brink, whose appointment is effective Jan. 19, will replace outgoing sheriff David Miles, who will retire Jan. 18. Brink, 59, will serve the remainder of Miles’ term of office, which ends in 2014, after which time Brink must seek election if he wants to remain in the job. Miles is a Democrat, and Brink is a Republican.

“I personally believe Mr. Steve Brink will make a good sheriff. He is dedicated to his job,” said Com-missioner Gerald Weiss, making the motion for appointment.

Commissioner Denny Kiner seconded the nomination, adding that moving Brink into the top slot will make for a smooth transition. Both commissioners said they received numerous calls supporting Brink’s appointment.

Brink will receive $54,482 a year in his new position, plus benefits and longevity pay.

“It’s what a guy works his whole career for. I think it’s fantastic,” Brink said.

He is a 16-year department veteran who has served under three sheriffs.

“So I should know something by now,” he said with a laugh.

Brink was hired by former sheriff Lyle Swenson and served under former sheriff Kim Moline until Miles won election in 2002. Brink became chief deputy under Miles. Brink also worked briefly in the Hutchinson County Sheriff’s Office before coming to Davison County.

“There won’t be a lot of changes, but there are a few things we’ll have to do,” Brink said. “We’ve got a good operation, and some great people.”

An immediate concern will be finding someone to replace him as chief deputy, he said.

Miles, who had recommended Brink as his successor, felt good about Brink’s appointment but ex-pressed mixed emotions about his own retirement.

“It’s a weight off my shoulders,” Miles said. “But after 29 years in law enforcement, retirement will be a scary thing, too. It will be hard to walk away from.”

Miles said his office’s equipment and vehicle fleet were upgraded during his tenure with the department and he developed a good working relationship with the county commissioners.

The commissioners felt likewise.

“I appreciate your years of service and I want to give you my best wishes for the future,” Commissioner Kiner said.

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