“I enjoyed what I do,” Emmons said. “I think being in public service is an extremely honorable position. It’s a struggle to step away from that.”
Emmons said he did not seek the position, but the company called and asked if he was interested in the job. His last day as sheriff will be March 23.
Emmons was running unopposed for sheriff in this fall’s election. He said he will recommend county commissioners appoint Champaign County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Matt Melvin as interim sheriff.
He said Melvin has served 17 years with the department and is ready to take over the position.
“He’s been part of making some of the hardest decisions we’ve had to make,” Emmons said.
The sheriff’s office has faced budget cuts in recent years and Emmons said his staff of 22 was left with several vacancies. However, he said it was not a factor in his decision to resign.
Champaign County Bob Corbett said his staff will determine the next step for a full-time replacement sheriff when it meets next week. He said Emmons has served the county well for the past 20 years.
“He always does a commendable job,” Corbett said.
Commissioner Steve Hess said Emmons had a good relationship with other elected officials but felt the offer was too good to pass up.
“We’ve just had a wonderful working relationship since we’ve had him with the sheriff’s office,” Hess said.
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