A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION, Honoring Sheriff Mike Leidholt for his years of dedication, exemplary service, and service as President of the National Sheriffs' Association.

    WHEREAS, Sheriff Mike Leidholt just completed a year as the President of the National Sheriffs' Association after a long and illustrious career in law enforcement. At the national level, Sheriff Leidholt was first elected to the National Sheriffs' Association Board of Directors in 2003. In 2008, he was elected as Treasurer of the NSA, and currently serves on the Executive Committee of the National Sheriffs' Association; and

    WHEREAS, Sheriff Leidholt began his law enforcement career as a member of the Hughes/Stanley County Police Reserve in 1975. In August of 1988, Sheriff Leidholt was hired as a Deputy Sheriff for Hughes County. In 1994, he ran for the Office of Sheriff and won. He currently oversees a staff of forty nine employees; and

    WHEREAS, Sheriff Leidholt was appointed by the past four South Dakota Governors to serve on the Juvenile Justice Advisory Groups, having served on state advisory groups for juvenile justice for nineteen years, and is currently the Vice Chair of the Council of Juvenile Services; and

    WHEREAS, In 2010, Sheriff Leidholt was deeply involved with opening the new Hughes County Jail, a modern 168 bed facility which houses both local prisoners as well as inmates from surrounding jurisdictions; and

    WHEREAS, Sheriff Leidholt married his wife Betty in 1975. They have two children, daughter Michelle Fonck, a teacher, and son Phillip, a Deputy Sheriff. Sheriff Leidholt also has four grandchildren, Thaddeus, Alexandria, Michael T., and Elizabeth:

    NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the Ninetieth Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that the Legislature honors and congratulates Sheriff Mike Leidholt for his years of service, dedication to his field, longevity in the Hughes County area, and for his service as President of the National Sheriffs' Association.