Laurie Ford was sworn as Interim Jailer for Marshall County Wednesday morning by Judge Executive Kevin Neal. Current Jailer, Roger Ford, submitted his letter of resignation and it was released Wednesday after winning Tuesday’s election in an unopposed race.
We are providing his letter of resignation here to help clear up any confusion regarding this decision and the future of the office of jailer.
To the good people of Marshall County,
After much prayer and many long discussions with my wife, I have made the decision to retire from the office of Jailer, effective November 1, 2018.
As many of you know, I was on the ballot for November 6, 2018 and if elected I plan on returning to the office of jailer on January 1, 2019. The reason for this decision is the uncertainty in our state’s retirement system. I have been paying in to this system for 26 years and 7 months. A pension is a promise and this is a serious and important promise. Even more important than the promise the state made me 26 years ago is a promise I made to my wife and family, which was to work hard and secure our future. I simply cannot gamble on breaking that promise.
I am 55 years old and not ready to quit working, my heart has always been dedicated to the service of my community and to my position as Jailer. It is a position that I have been honored to perform and have attempted to do my very best to represent our community with honesty, integrity, and commitment; it is my hope to continue to do so.
For those that are wondering, no I will not be building another retirement, simply securing the one I have. This decision will not cost the citizens and tax payers of our community.
I thank all of you for your tremendous support over the years past and the years yet to come.
Sincerely,
Roger Ford, Jailer
Marshall County Detention Center