Sheriff Doug Bass’ retirement went into effect yesterday (Tuesday) and this morning, Chief Deputy Ken Pingrey became the official Sheriff of Carroll County. Pingrey said his interest in law enforcement started when he was very young, and he went right into pursuing this career when he graduated high school. After graduating college with a degree in Criminal Justice, he took his first job with the Audubon County Sheriff’s Office, spending 10 years with them before applying for an opening in Carroll County. He said there were many reasons for wanting to bring his career back to his home county.
After starting here, two Sergeant positions were created and Pingrey was promoted to fill one of those. He was named Chief Deputy by Bass after Dave Potthoff retired. The now 49-year-old Pingrey says he won’t be enacting any major changes with his appointment as Sheriff, but he adds, he does have some big shoes to fill.
Though some may not have had the opportunity to meet Pingrey during his 10 years as a Chief Deputy with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, he says he is an open book and welcomes the opportunity to meet and get to know new people.
Pingrey is a fifth-generation Carroll County native, born and raised in Coon Rapids. He and his family, including his grandmother who turned 100 on Feb. 17, all still reside in Coon Rapids.
