New Sheriff taking over in Freeborn County

(ABC 6 News) – Voters in Freeborn county have elected a new sheriff.

Detective Ryan Shea was elected Freeborn County Sheriff after defeating Albert Lea Police Lt. Jeff Strom by a margin of less than 500.

Shea walked away with 52 percent of the votes while Strom got 48 percent.

Wednesday, Shea said his focus is hiring more staff at the sheriff’s office and creating a stronger presence out in the community to help build trust.

“I want to get out to the schools where law enforcement students are and be promoting the sheriff’s office and just freeborn county as a whole for the type of place it is to live. I think it is a great area to live and raise your family and i know other people can too but they’ll think the same thing and we need to promote that to help get recruits here,” Sheriff-elect Ryan Shea said.

Shea replaces current sheriff Kurt Freitag who announced he was retiring from law enforcement.

Shea will officially take office in January.