Sheriff Jesse Thomas today announced his intention to retire at the end of his current term on Dec. 31.
“I have had a great career here and have met and worked with a lot of amazing people.,” said Thomas, who starts his 31st year with the Rice County Sheriff’s Office in April. “When I reflect on the past 30 years, I feel I am truly blessed and fortunate to have accomplished everything that I set out to do. But it’s time for me to spend more time with my family and let someone else take the lead.”
Thomas, who grew up in rural Rice County, graduated from Bethlehem Academy and got his degree in criminal justice from St. Mary’s University. He began his career with the Sheriff’s Office as a correctional officer but within a year had moved to patrol deputy.
He later served as an investigator and on the region’s SWAT team before climbing the ranks, first as a sergeant, then lieutenant and finally chief deputy in late 2014.
He was named sheriff by the Rice County Board of Commissioners in November 2021, finishing out Troy Dunn’s term before being elected sheriff in November 2022.
Among his many accomplishments:
• Overseeing the construction of the new Public Safety Center, which opened in November 2024.
• Adding an armored vehicle to the RCSO fleet, which provided a second such vehicle for the regional SWAT team.
• Restructuring the RCSO command staff to replace a single lieutenant’s position with two captains’ positions to provide additional administrative oversight.
• Ensuring deputy and correctional staff salaries are competitive in the current job market, helping to ensure staff retention.
Thomas, who long ago made it his goal to become sheriff, says he’s confident that qualified candidates will be on the ballot next fall, noting his diligence in ensuring RCSO staff are well trained and able to step into his shoes once his term is over.
But even as he looks ahead, Thomas acknowledges there’s still work to do and that he couldn’t have done it without his family’s full support.
“Thank you to my wonderful wife, Megan, for her understanding of the commitment and dedication that goes with a career in law enforcement: the early morning calls when I was on the SWAT team or had to come in for a serious call and the long days during special events and meetings,” he said. “I also want to thank my two amazing children whose milestones I missed because I needed to be helping another family.
Thomas said he plans to remain in Rice County and stay involved in the community. He is currently chair of the Rice County Salvation Army Board of Directors and vice chair of the HOPE Center Board of Directors.
