08/18/2026
Undersheriff Bryan Muir Appointed Kent County Sheriff
GRAND RAPIDS, MI (August 18, 2026) - The Kent County Sheriff Appointment Committee today unanimously appointed Undersheriff Bryan Muir to serve as Kent County Sheriff. His appointment will take effect Oct. 9, 2026, following the retirement of Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young.
LaJoye-Young announced her retirement in July, concluding a distinguished 37-year career with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office. Muir will fill the remainder of her unexpired term, which runs through December 31, 2028.
The statutorily required Appointment Committee was chaired by Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker and included Kent County Clerk/Register of Deeds Lisa Posthumus Lyons and Kent County Probate Court Chief Judge Avery Rose.
The committee accepted applications from July 23 through Aug. 6, 2026. Muir was the sole applicant and was interviewed by the committee on Tuesday, Aug. 18. Following the interview, the committee voted unanimously to appoint him as sheriff.
“It is an honor for the committee to appoint Undersheriff Muir as Kent County’s next sheriff,” Becker said. “He brings extensive knowledge of the Sheriff’s Office, developed through his years of service in a variety of leadership roles throughout the organization. He is highly respected by law enforcement professionals across Michigan and beyond and has consistently demonstrated the leadership, integrity, and commitment to justice needed to serve the people of Kent County. We are confident he will provide strong and steady leadership as the Sheriff’s Office begins this next chapter.”
Muir expressed appreciation for the opportunity to lead the Sheriff’s Office and continue serving the Kent County community.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Kent County Sheriff,” Muir said. “I want to thank the Appointment Committee for its confidence in me, as well as the many dedicated professionals—past and present—who have helped shape both my career and the Sheriff’s Office. I am especially grateful to Sheriff LaJoye-Young for her decades of service and leadership. I look forward to building on that strong foundation and working alongside the exceptional men and women of the Sheriff’s Office to continue serving our community with professionalism, integrity, and compassion.”
Muir’s appointment as Kent County Sheriff will become effective Oct. 9, 2026.
