During the Carroll Chamber of Commerce forum earlier this week, Carroll County Sheriff Ken Pingrey hinted that he could be retiring in the next several years. Pingrey, who has served in law enforcement for nearly four decades, is one of several county officials seeking office unopposed in the November general election. One of the questions posed to the candidates was if they plan to complete their term if elected. Pingrey says he can’t say for sure yet.
Pingrey was elevated from his position as chief deputy under long-time Carroll County Sheriff Doug Bass following Bass’s retirement in 2016 and has easily won reelection in the years since. Jon Cretsinger of Coon Rapids is currently Carroll County’s chief deputy. Pingrey says that retirement is far from a guarantee, but he cannot rule out the possibility. Pingrey says one thing Carroll County residents can be sure of is his confidence in the county’s deputies, jail staff, and communication center, who are more than equipped to step up if he doesn’t finish his term.
Beyond the day-to-day duties of sheriff, Pingrey helped pass a public referendum for the county’s new jail, which passed on the first attempt with 63 percent of voters in favor. The jail became operational in early 2022 and has become an added revenue stream for the county through contracts with Calhoun County, Polk County, and other areas unable to house their own prisoners.
