Retired McHenry County Sheriff Bill Prim and now sworn-in Sheriff Robb Tadelman pose for a photo during a retirement celebration Wednesday. | Photo: McHenry County Sheriff’s Office

McHenry County Sheriff Bill Prim retired Wednesday after nearly 40 years in law enforcement and Undersheriff Robb Tadelman was sworn in as the new sheriff on Thursday.

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office said Prim led the office through “high highs” and “low lows,” including two line-of-duty deaths, during his eight years as sheriff.

“He handled the many challenges in his position with grace and passion for the citizens of McHenry County and especially for those who wore a badge,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

 

Prim had nearly 40 years of law enforcement experience, with 28 years of his service at the Des Plaines Police Department.

Prim spent the majority of his career serving on drug task forces and moving through the ranks, eventually retiring as a commander and then later going back to work in law enforcement.

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Robb Tadelman is sworn in as the sheriff of McHenry County by McHenry County Judge Justin Hansen on Thursday. | Photo: McHenry County Sheriff’s Office

“The ceremony today was filled with leaders from around the county, with many county law enforcement departments represented. Those who worked with Sheriff Prim over the years spoke volumes to his character and leadership,” the sheriff’s office said.

Undersheriff Robb Tadelman was sworn in as the sheriff Thursday morning.

McHenry County Judge Justin Hansen administered the oath of office at the McHenry County Courthouse.

Tadelman is “enthusiastic about his new role” as sheriff, the office said.

“The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office is in very good hands with the swearing in of Sheriff Robb Tadelman,” McHenry County Chairman Mike Buehler said.

“He has spent the past 18 years serving and protecting the people of McHenry County, starting as a patrol deputy and working his way up, earning the respect of the Sheriff’s Office and partner law enforcement agencies. Congratulations, Sheriff Tadelman – stay safe, and keep us safe,” Buehler said.

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Tadelman is an 18-year veteran of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office and has experience in “nearly every aspect of the department,” the office said.

He started as a patrol deputy in 2004 and worked his way up the ranks to undersheriff earlier this year.