Outgoing Anoka County sheriff to lead Minnesota Sheriffs’ Assocation

Frederick Melo, Pioneer Press
·1 min read

Anoka County Sheriff James Stuart is retiring from his profession in January, having chosen not to run for reelection in 2022 after three terms in office, but he isn’t straying too far from his calling. In March, he’ll begin a new role as executive director of the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association.

Stuart, who served as a U.S. Marine, spent more than 30 years in law enforcement with the sheriff’s office, overseeing through the years the Office of Professional Standards, the SWAT team, the patrol and administrative divisions, among others, before being elected sheriff in 2011.

He also served as president of the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association and vice president of the National Sheriffs’ Association, secretary-treasurer for the Joint Law Enforcement Council, and on the executive committee for the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. He served on the boards of several self-improvement organizations, including Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge, as well as Play to Your Strengths, a nonprofit that offers leadership coaching.

Retired Coon Rapids Police Chief Brad Wise defeated Anoka County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Cmdr. Paul Lenzmeier in the November election to be elected the next Anoka County sheriff.

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