Lenawee County will honor the legacy of longtime Sheriff Richard L. Germond by renaming the Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office building in his memory. A dedication ceremony for the newly installed building signage will take place on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 11:00 AM.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony recognizing Germond’s extraordinary contributions to public safety and the Lenawee County community.

Sheriff Germond devoted 44 years to law enforcement, including 36 years as Sheriff of Lenawee County, making him the longest-serving sheriff in the history of both Lenawee County and the State of Michigan. First joining the Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office in 1956, Germond served in several roles including dispatching, road patrol, criminal investigation, and forensic photography before being appointed Sheriff in 1964 at just 29 years old. He was subsequently elected to multiple terms and served until his retirement in 2001.

During his tenure, Sheriff Germond oversaw major advancements in public safety operations in Lenawee County. Among his most notable accomplishments was the establishment of a modern 9-1-1 and Central Dispatch system in the mid-1980s, which continues to serve law enforcement, fire departments, EMS agencies, and approximately 100,000 residents throughout the county. Under his leadership, the Sheriff’s Office also operated a 156-bed correctional facility housing minimum, medium, and maximum-security inmates.

Sheriff Germond’s influence extended far beyond Lenawee County. He served as President of both the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association and the National Sheriffs’ Association and remained active nationally as a life member and board director. After retiring as Sheriff, he continued to support law enforcement as a risk management consultant with the National Sheriffs’ Association Insurance Division until 2015.

Germond passed away on April 30, 2025, at the age of 90. The dedication of the Sheriff’s Office building in his honor recognizes not only his historic tenure in office but also his lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and community.

The Sheriff Richard L. Germond Building dedication ceremony will be held at the Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Community members, current and former law enforcement personnel, and residents are encouraged to attend as Lenawee County celebrates the enduring legacy of a leader whose impact continues to be felt across the community.