Sheriff Linn Larson has passed away

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday announced Sheriff Linn Larson died Tuesday, May 15.

Larson began his law enforcement career in April of 1978 as a police officer with the Belmond Police Department where he was promoted to Sergeant and then Chief of Police in November of 1983. He was hired by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office in August of 2006 and was promoted to Chief Deputy in 2008.

Linn also served as Commander of the North Central Iowa Narcotics Task Force Special Operations Group for nearly six years. Larson was elected Franklin County Sheriff in 2016 and served until his passing. 

Thomas Craighton, Emergency Management Coordinator for Franklin County, said Larson’s leadership and conduct were an example for the county. 

“He was a great leader in the sheriff’s office and the county,” he said. Craighton said Chief Deputy Stephen Bardole will fill in as Larson’s replacement until the Franklin County Board of Supervisors selects a new sheriff. That date has yet to be determined. 

Craighton said the rest of the department is more than capable of continuing the work and dedication of Larson. 

"We have (a) very capable (team) to step in to place and continue the service Franklin County has become accustomed to,” he said.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 18, 2018, at Church of the Living Word in Hampton, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 17, 2018, at Church of the Living Word in Hampton, Iowa. The Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home of Hampton is assisting Linn’s family.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office asks to keep Larson’s family in your thoughts and prayers. 

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