Sheriff Robert S. Leahy. Photo provided.
Clermont County Sheriff Robert S. (Steve) Leahy will soon retire from his position and Sheriff-elect Christopher Stratton will take over official duties on Jan. 6 at 12:01 a.m.
Leahy began his career in law enforcement in 1991 as a road patrol deputy with the Clermont County Sheriff. Leahy worked his way through the ranks, and in late 2015, he announced that he would be running for Sheriff in 2016 when it was announced that then-Sheriff Tim Rodenberg Jr. would retire at the end of his fourth term.
Sheriff Leahy graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Police Administration with a minor in Traffic Safety. After several years as a Patrol Sergeant, he continued his education and graduated from the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and the Model-Netics Management course at the University of Cincinnati.
Leahy penned the following letter to the community regarding his retirement:
Dear friends, staff and county residents,
I find it hard to believe that my time as your sheriff has come to an end. It feels like just yesterday when I took my oath to serve and protect this wonderful community. Today, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey I’ve had over the last 34 years and to express my gratitude to each and every one of you.
First and foremost, I want to thank the citizens of Clermont County. Your support, trust, and cooperation have been the cornerstone of everything we’ve accomplished. It has been my honor to serve as your sheriff, and I am proud of the relationships we built, the challenges we faced, and the progress we made in ensuring our community’s safety and well-being.
To my dedicated team, the men and women of my Office—thank you. Your hard work and commitment, inspired me every day to come to work even on days I didn’t want to. You’ve tackled tough situations with professionalism and compassion, and I’m grateful for the countless hours you’ve dedicated to protecting our residents. Each one of you has played a vital role in our mission, and I am confident that you will continue to uphold the values we’ve established.
I would also like to acknowledge my family. Your unwavering support has been my anchor throughout this journey. Thank you for your understanding, your love, and for believing in me.
Reflecting on my career, I remember the cases that tested us, the successes that inspired us, and the community initiatives that brought us closer together. From Detective Brewer’s tragic death to the heartbreaking Doerman case, every experience has shaped my approach and reinforced my belief in the power of this community.
As I prepare to step into this new chapter of my life, I do so with a sense of pride and fulfillment. While I may be retiring from my position as sheriff, I will always remain an advocate for our community and a supporter of the amazing work that all law enforcement across this great country does and will continue to do.
In closing, I want to encourage each of you—stay engaged, stay informed, and continue to support one another. Our community is only as strong as its members, and I believe that together, you will build an even brighter future. I want you to give your new sheriff the same respect, loyalty and hard work you have given me during my time here, Sheriff [Christopher] Stratton is a good man and deserves it.
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Even though I may have not always shown it. I cared…I have always cared.
It has been a privilege and an honor to serve as your sheriff. I look forward to seeing the great things that lie ahead for all of you.
Thank you,
Sheriff Leahy