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TOP STORY OF THE DAY: Retiring after 39 1/2 years - Time for a new journey
A New Year brings the opportunity for potential change: Clay County Sheriff Paul Harden will step away from the office, making room for a new sheriff in town.
With over 39 1/2 years in law enforcement, a little over a year as an Indiana State University police officer in 1977, which led to 30 years as a conservation officer, and then past eight years as sheriff, Harden is ready to tackle a new journey.
“I am retiring now,” said Harden, who admits he has a few home projects. “It’s time to travel a little bit, spend time with my family, especially the grandkids, and enjoy life with my wife, Rita.”
During his lengthy career, Harden witnessed the evolution of law enforcement.
“There have been many changes in how officers respond to calls and the equipment used. “Especially the respect the public feels for law enforcement, it’s all changed.”
Harden has enjoyed working with the people during his career, which has been at the local, state, and national levels. He even went to help during Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Harden was recently recognized as a founder of the Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch (ISYR). His leadership during the planning, purchasing and opening of the nonprofit facility will allow future law enforcement officers to work with at-risk children, young witnesses, and victims of crime.
“Sheriff Paul Harden will forever be remembered as a great sheriff, but also as a founder of our 62-acre youth training retreat,” said ISYR Executive Director Scott Minier. “Because of Paul and a handful of other forward-thinking problem solvers, the lives of generations of Indiana youth will be changed for the better.”
“I have worked with great people over the years; I enjoyed working with them,” said Harden, who reserves a special place for Clay County. “I won’t miss those late-night phone calls, but I will miss working with them and the citizens of this county.”
Harden signed off at midnight on New Year’s Eve at the Clay County Sheriff’s Department.
“It’s time for a new phase of life, a new journey,” said Harden, looking forward to saying “Hello” to people and chatting in the future. “The high point for me, which was unexpected, was helping coordinate the new jail facility. I would have liked to see it completed during my tenure because I know it was needed. But the sheriff’s department is in good hands.”