Sheriff Mike Unger Will Not Seek Re-Election

After 39 years in law enforcement in Stanton County — and 33 as sheriff  — Mike Unger announced Monday morning that he will not be seeking re-election next year.

The sheriff released the below statement to the Stanton Register:

I wish to officially inform the citizens of Stanton County that I will not be seeking re-election for the office of Stanton County Sheriff. It has been an honor to serve as Sheriff these past 33 years after being a law enforcement officer in Stanton County since 1986. This was not an easy decision, but I think that I have given everything I have to offer to this county and law enforcement itself. I will not be going anywhere before the end of my term in early January 2027 and have every intention of being the working and active sheriff you know until my final day. I have seen this job change in a lot of ways since I began chasing bad guys back in 1981 as an 18 year old U.S. Army Military Policeman in West Germany. I wished I could say that the system and changes were all for the good, but to be quite honest, the criminal justice system is broken from the top to the bottom and in need of major overhauls.

For some, you will be happy to see me go and yet many others have asked what are we going to do without you? Trust me you will survive, as I’m nothing but the keeper of the gate and the time has come for the changing of the guard. My life has been serving the public as a Soldier, Peace Officer, EMT and community volunteer. I believe I was put on this earth to serve and help others. My family and close friends have sacrificed so much for me doing this job the way I know it is supposed to be done. I think it’s time I put them first and try to pay back all they have given me. I’m proud to finish this post with a lot of accomplishments and knowing I always did my best, was always the first through the door and never asked anyone to do anything I had not done or was willing to do. I’ve been blessed with outstanding deputies and staff over the years. I hope that I have helped others and comforted them in their time of loss and tragedy as I have seen a lot in this job. I believed in treating everyone equally no matter your name or your social status and believe I accomplished that. Thank you to everyone whether you supported me or not for the opportunity to have spent a majority of my adult life serving Stanton County as your 22nd Sheriff. God’s Blessings to all!!!