Louie Koch retiring from Shelby Co. Sheriff position at end of the week, caucus scheduled

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 9:52 AM

By Johnny McCrory

Entering 2026, Shelby County Sheriff Louie Koch was analyzing upcoming changes in his life and career.

It was the final year of his two terms as sheriff and he launched an election effort for the county council. Certainly not ready to retire, Koch says he put out feelers trying to find a career move as he wrapped up his law enforcement career.

The sheriff didn’t specify what the opportunities are that he is considering.

Koch has announced that he is going to retire at the end of this week. It’s several months away from the end of his elected term but the timing was created by opportunity of what’s to come.

The Shelby County Republican Party will hold a caucus on March 5 to fill the vacancy.

Change is soon anticipated for the offices the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department calls home. Koch says the next sheriff will likely deal with rearranging the offices if, or when, the City of Shelbyville constructs a new police department and relocates its officers.

Koch says the job of sheriff is very much a business manager’s role. And keeping up with the times is a big part of that. However, while technology is constantly changing, some things stay the same.

Anyone interested in the position of Shelby County Sheriff must meet candidacy criteria and file a CEB-05 with Republican Party Chair Chris King a minimum of 72 hours prior to the caucus.

Anyone with questions can contact king at Cking@shelbycounty.gop .