Sheriff David Clarke has officially resigned as Milwaukee County’s top cop, and county leaders we spoke with Thursday night said they had no idea this announcement was coming.
Clarke didn’t give much notice, in fact, less than half a day. Once the clock strikes midnight, Clarke will no longer be sheriff of Milwaukee County.
“About 3:16 p.m., a member of the sheriff's office, his executive assistant to be exact, came down to my officer and insisted on hand delivering that note from the sheriff," said Milwaukee County Clerk George Christenson.
That letter was short and simple. Clarke notified the county he’s done at the end of the day on Thursday.
In a statement to TODAY’S TMJ4, Clarke said:
“After almost forty years serving the great people of Milwaukee County, I have chosen to retire to pursue other opportunities. I will have news about my next steps in the very near future.”
“I’ll remember the moment I found out as the moment I could begin thinking about what's next," said Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele.
Abele was pleased with the sudden shake up, however the two had a known feud.
“This county and any county in the country is better when public dialogue is focused on looking for allies and solutions, not fights and enemies," Abele said.
Clarke was Milwaukee County's longest serving sheriff. He was first elected in 2002, and was reelected in '06, '10 and '14.
“I’m sad to see Sheriff Clarke go,” said County Supervisor Deanna Alexander.
Clarke earned supporters like Alexander along the way.
"He has set an interesting standard that people aren’t used to but is refreshing to be outspoken as an elected official and just kind of have a 'tell it as it is' personality," she said.
Now, Clarke's replacement is up to Gov. Scott Walker. Whoever he appoints will only serve through 2018. After that, it will be decided at the polls. Earnell Lucas is one of several already campaigning.
“It’s an opportunity for new leadership," he said. "I think residents of Milwaukee County have been seeking that.”
Inspector Richard Schmidt will be serving as interim sheriff until the governor makes a decision.
