Three New Sheriff's Deputies Sworn In

(FROM LEFT, CHRISTOPHER GREUEL, SHERIFF PAUL KUHNS, CHIEF DEPUTY COUNTY CLERK MICHELLE KOLLMAN, BRANDON KUHL AND ERIC LOY)

Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns indicated that a different era is beginning in his department.

The statement was shared at the start of a ceremony to swear in three new sheriff's deputies in the Effingham County Sheriff's Department. The ceremony took place Monday morning at the Effingham County Office Building, with Chief Deputy County Clerk Michelle Kollman handling the swearing-in chores.

Kuhns noted that 20 some years ago, there was quite a bit of turnover in the department and now, many of those are at or near the point of retirement. The sheriff said he viewed the changeover "with a little trepidation" in that those departing are among those he has relied on. 

Kuhns said, though, that incoming deputies can "energize" the department. 

The three sworn in Monday are Eric Loy, Brandon Kuhl and Christopher Greuel. Loy and Kuhl already work for the sheriff's department; Loy as a corrections office and Kuhl as a telecommunicator. Greuel is new to the department, having served several years in the National Guard. Kuhns said that Greuel qualified for a position through the testing and interviewing process. The sheriff noted that's how he joined the department. 

Kuhns said the new deputies will "set the tone for our department for the next 20 years."

The three new deputies will succeed David Kinkelaar, whose last day with the department is Monday, Eric Higgs who will retire this month, and Troy Davis who will retire in June. 

It was a special moment for each of the families involved, but especially so for the Loy family, since Eric Loy's father is John Loy, who worked many years for the sheriff's department and retired as Chief Deputy.

Several family members were on hand, as well as some city police officers who lent their support.