Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-YoungSheriff Young has worked for the Kent County Sheriff’s Department since 1989 in various roles within the Corrections, Patrol, Communications and Support Services Divisions, Chief Deputy, Undersheriff and now as Sheriff appointed in 2018.   She has worked diligently to implement processes which make the Office of the Sheriff more efficient, transparent and accountable to the community. 

Sheriff Young Served in the Michigan Army National Guard and Army Reserves from 1985 through 1998 where she left as a Captain.  She obtained her Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University, a Master’s in Public Administration from Western Michigan University, MCOLES certification from Grand Rapids Community College and graduated from North Western University School of Police Staff and Command.  

Sheriff Young is the first female Sheriff in Kent County history and the only existing female Sheriff in the State of Michigan. Sheriff Young is proud to represent Kent County and the Sheriff’s Office in various boards and organizations and works hard to ensure the Kent County Community values are represented on a local, state and federal level.