Sheriff won't seek re-election

By KURT NESBITT

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- One of Brown County's most senior elected officials is stepping down at the end of his term in December.

Brown County Sheriff Larry Pederson announced Monday that his current term is his last.

Of the six men who have held the position in the 20th and 21st centuries, Pederson is the sheriff who has held elected office the longest, according to county records. He was elected in November 1982 and took office in January 1983.

Pederson, 54, who lives in Springfield with his wife and three children, first joined the Brown County Sheriff's Department in 1971, where he worked as a deputy sheriff until he won the election.

In those days, there were five deputies in Brown County and the department was still operating out of its 1903 building. There were no walkie-talkies and no radar.

"They were fairly new at the time. It took us a few years to get them," the sheriff remembered.

Pederson ran for sheriff in 1982 simply because he thought he was qualified.

When asked why he decided not to run again, Pederson said, "It's time to quit. I still like going to work, but it's time to quit before that changes. I also think it's time for some new ideas."

The Brown County Sheriff's Department saw the formation of both its Citizens Academy and TRIAD, a group made up of senior citizens and law enforcement officers, and the construction of the Brown County Law Enforcement Center during Pederson's 31 years as sheriff.

For Pederson, the biggest challenges of being sheriff are keeping track of changes in criminal and civil laws.

"It's hard sometimes to agree with the court's decisions, but we have to live by them," Pederson said.

When asked if he'd do anything differently, Pederson said he wouldn't change a thing.

The best piece of advice Pederson received came from Sheriff Bud Geschwind.

"He said 'Don't make snap decisions that in the long-range will come back and bite you. Think about what's best for the public, the department and you.'"

Pederson said he has no immediate plans for when his term ends on Dec. 31, but said he intends to stay in Brown County.

Of the six Brown County sheriffs that were elected in the 20th Century, only Sheriff John Reitter comes close to having as many terms as Pederson. Reitter was appointed in 1928 after Sheriff W.J. Julius died in office. Reitter was succeeded in 1958 by Louis Adam, who was sheriff until 1966.

Adam, in turn, was succeeded by Erv Weinkauf, Sr., who was Brown County Sheriff from 1967 to 1975. Geschwind served from 1975 to 1982.

Brown County Auditor-Treasurer Marlin Helget said the filing deadline for the sheriff's position opens on July 2. He said he was unaware of any possible candidates for the job, but expects to see filings soon.