Allegan County Sheriff Blaine Koops, who is retiring at the end of the year, has been chosen as executive director of the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association.

Koops, who is completing 12 years of service as sheriff in Allegan County, succeeds Terry Jungel.

Sheriff Kirk Wakefield, Crawford County, president  of the Board of Directors of the association, said in a prepared statement, “We are confident Sheriff Koops will represent the Sheriffs and the association with the highest level of professionalism and dedication. The Search Committee did a fantastic job and we thank them for all their time and effort.

PHOTO: Blaine Koops