Mike Koontz has retired as sheriff of the Wetzel County Sheriff's Department.

With the ending of 2024, Wetzel County Sheriff Mike Koontz’ time as the head law enforcement officer in the county will come to an end. Since 1992 when Mike was hired as a deputy by Lynn Adams, he has worn the badge of deputy sheriff. In 2016 he was elected to the top position of sheriff. For 32 years he has helped to protect and serve the citizens of Wetzel County.

Mike explained that as a young man he had never given the job of law enforcement any thought, but by the time high school came along, it was something he had thought about. Mike grew up in Littleton. Back then it was a nice little community with families and businesses that served the town. Mike went on to explain over his lifetime he has watched Littleton and other small communities’ lost population and businesses. Mike explained, “Back when I was a kid, there were three car dealerships in Hundred. Even when I was in high school, they were there. The loss of good jobs in the county has changed the future of all the communities. Growing up jobs were plentiful in the area. Young people stayed and could build a good life for themselves and a family. Today it is much more difficult to build a life with a stable job. The oil and gas industries provide jobs, but a great many of them are not permanent positions. Workers rent houses and work for a while, until their operations move elsewhere.”

Mike spoke of the sheriffs he has served under and how he enjoyed working for them. Those 24 years as deputy he spent working his job from the road. He enjoys his time working and the many citizens he has met over the years. He was reminded that when he began the position in 1992, his monthly salary was $1080.00. There were six deputies, and patrol cars stayed with the shift they were assigned to. Today there are 19 deputy’s and 20 vehicles. Those numbers include two court deputies along with five school resources officers.

Mike was asked what was his favorite part of the job, “I have enjoyed it all, I liked being on the road, doing investigations and working with the public. I enjoyed the work and the people I have served with.”

As his term ends, and Sheriff Eric Daugherty takes over, Mike plans to take a year off and reacclimate his life into a civilian style. For thirty-two years every time he left his front door he was on duty. His life, both professional and social, has been when people know him as law enforcement. That will be a transition for him and his friends.

Sheriff Mike Koontz, “This is a public service job, and the public has served me well. They have provided me with my job that assisted me and my family very well. I am proud to be a citizen of Wetzel County. As to the future, time will tell, for a time, I am going to enjoy my family and not be on duty.”