Kirn appointed new Clark Co. sheriff

Gov. Tony Evers has appointed Kerry Kirn as the Clark County sheriff.

The appointment fills a vacancy being created by Sheriff Scott Haines’ retirement, which he announced back in September. Haines will retire as of Dec. 31, and Kirn will complete the remainder of the unexpired term that ends January 2027. Sheriffs are elected for four-year terms.

“Kerry Kirn has more than three decades of experience in the Clark County Sheriff’s Office,” said Evers in a Dec. 6 press release. “He will serve the people of Clark County well as their next sheriff.”

Kirn has worked for the Clark County Sheriff’s Office since 1991 and currently serves the county as detective captain. In this role, he supervises the detective division and has increased collaboration with the West Central Drug Task Force and other state and federal entities. Kirn has dedicated his entire law enforcement career to Clark County, having previously served as a reserve deputy, communications and corrections deputy, patrol deputy, and detective for the sheriff’s office.

“The appointment of Captain Kerry Kirn as Clark County Sheriff will ensure a smooth transition of leadership that will benefit the citizens we serve, our county, and especially the Clark County Sheriff’s Office staff,” said Haines.

Kirn resides in Willard. He earned an associate degree in police science from Chippewa Valley Technical College and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Mount Senario College in Ladysmith.

“I am honored to be appointed the next Clark County sheriff by Governor Tony Evers and look forward to leading the Clark County Sheriff’s Office,” said Kirn. “I also look forward to working with all of the law enforcement agencies and continuing to serve the citizens of Clark County.”

Haines served the county as sheriff since 2019, with his career in law enforcement dating back to 1990.

Kerry Kirn