Boyd County Board fills sheriff vacancy, ending days-long law enforcement gap

During its meeting, the board voted unanimously to approve Matt McHale, a Holt County deputy, as the new Boyd County sheriff.(Darsha Dodge | Darsha Dodge)

BOYD COUNTY, Neb. (KOLN) — The Boyd County Board of Supervisors has appointed a new sheriff, ending a days-long law enforcement gap.

The board held an emergency meeting Friday morning to discuss its next steps after the former sheriff suddenly resigned earlier this week.

The move temporarily left roughly 1,800 residents without a permanent law enforcement presence, which the board called “an immediate public safety threat.”

During its meeting, the board voted unanimously to approve Matt McHale, a Holt County deputy, as the new Boyd County sheriff. McHale brings more than 20 years of law enforcement experience.

The board agreed to pay McHale $5,000 a month with all benefits through the upcoming election.

McHale will hold the position until January 2027. Residents will have the opportunity to vote for a new sheriff during this year’s election.

On Tuesday, former sheriff Clarence “Chuck” Wrede, 75, handed in his resignation to the board.

According to a release, the resignation came without notice. Part-time staff in the office resigned from their positions the next day.

Since then, the Nebraska State Patrol said troopers have been stationed in the area and have been helping answer calls while the county works through the situation. Troopers have also been working with the Boyd County attorney and Knox County Sheriff’s Office.

Prior to the sheriff’s departure, the office staffed four full-time deputies. Each of them offered their resignations leading up to the final deputy departing in January.