Mono County Sheriff Rick Scholl to retire
Mono County Sheriff Rick Scholl’s retirement was announced Thursday.
Scholl was reelected Sheriff in 2010. His term isn’t supposed to end until June 2014, but he told The Sheet that after 30 years in law enforcement, he’s had enough.
“I’m not getting any younger,” he said, “and I’ve lost a few friends in the past year, which has changed my outlook.”
He and wife Annette have bought a 5th wheel and plan to travel the country.
Undersheriff Ralph Obenberger will take over for Scholl. “I’m absolutely confident in Ralph’s ability [to do the job],” said Scholl.
The following is a letter from Scholl to the community:
“This decision does not come lightly, as those closest to me would agree, but after deep consideration and weighing all the options, I have made the decision to retire.
I believe there is a time in everyone’s life that work is not the primary focus, and family, along with personal health, must take the forefront. In the past, I have sacrificed my family, along with personal relationships, for “the job.” I feel, at this stage in my life, it is time to move on and focus on the quality of life that retirement will allow my wife and I to enjoy.
I have been honored to be the 21st person to serve as Sheriff-Coroner of Mono County. To have the trust of the employees and the citizens over these past six years has truly been a privilege. I know our accomplishments have outweighed the defeats and I believe the Sheriff’s Office is poised to continue moving forward in a positive manner under the direction of Undersheriff Ralph Obenberger.
When I was sworn in as the Sheriff-Coroner on January 8, 2007, thirty two years after I was first sworn in as a Mono County Deputy on January 8, 1975, it was my goal to lead the department in a positive way with the attitude that we are accountable and responsive to the citizens and visitors to Mono County. It was a mandate that we build collaborative relationships with all departments throughout the County and Town. I believe we have been successful in that regard.
The decisions and changes made over the past six years may not have always been viewed by everyone in the same light; however, those decisions have always been made in the best interest of the department as well as for the citizens and visitors of Mono County.
It has been an absolute privilege to represent and work with each member of the Mono County Sheriff’s Office. They are truly dedicated professionals and I believe they have represented the Sheriff’s Office in the best light.
There have been numerous accomplishments over the past six years, and I am thankful to be a part of those changes, never losing sight of enhancing the quality of life for our employees, along with the citizens and visitors to Mono County.
My wife of 37 years, Annette, and I plan on travelling the country wherever the weather is nice and look forward to exploring the back roads and many golf courses throughout the United States in our 5th wheel trailer.
I have set my retirement date for Thursday, December 20, 2012.
Sincerely,
Rick Scholl
Mono County Sheriff-Coroner”
