BEDFORD – The Lawrence County Commissioners and his constituents Tuesday morning bid farewell to Sheriff Mike Branham.
“We can not say enough about Sheriff Branham and his dedication to the citizen and this county,” said Commissioner Rodney Fish. “You will be missed. We thank you for your service.
Emergency Management Director Valerie Luchauer said she gave her tearful good by before the meeting,
“I just can’t say enough about him,” she added. “He has always gone above and beyond and he will be dearly missed.”
“I have worked with Sheriff Branham for 8 of the 10 years I have served as Veterans Affairs Officer,” said Brad Bough. “It has been an absolute honor.”
Sheriff Branham thanked everyone for their kind comments and the memories.
Branham has worked with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department for more than 30 years, serving as a corrections officer, reserve deputy, 911 dispatcher and supervisor, patrol deputy, detective, detective sergeant, training coordinator, Chief Deputy, and as Sheriff since January 1, 2015.
In every stage of his career and under four different sheriffs, Branham was given increased supervisory duties and responsibilities.
He completed specialized training in motor vehicle crash reconstruction, criminal investigations including homicide, S.W.A.T., Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board certified instructor, and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (C.P.T.E.D.).
He graduated from the following leadership courses: Police Executive Leadership Academy, National Sheriff’s Institute, and the National Sheriff’s Association Institute for Jail Operations.
He is actively involved with the Indiana Sheriff’s Association, serving on the executive board, the budget and personnel committee, the legislative committee, and the Chair of the retirement committee.
He is a committee member on the National Sheriff’s Association Court Security, Transportation of Prisoners, and Process Committee. He serves as the Chair of the Lawrence County School Safety Commission. He currently serves as a Vice President of the Lawrence County Boys and Girls Club N=Board of Directors. He has been incident command in multiple emergencies ranging from natural disasters to threats at schools.
As the end of his current term as Sheriff ends he will seek a leadership position in the field of physical safety and security or project management.
