(Atlantic, Iowa) – After more than 29-years of serving the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, as a Deputy and lastly as Sheriff, Darby McLaren officially retired Thursday afternoon, after he made his final check-in with the Cass County Communications Center.

That was Jon Westering at the end of the broadcast, who served for many years as the Chief Deputy Sheriff, and who was unopposed in his bid for Cass County Sheriff, during the November 5th General Election.
As Sheriff, Darby McLaren announced in January, 2024, that he would not be seeking re-election. McLaren said he was leaving the office “In very capable hands.”

Former Cass County Sheriff Darby McLaren (Center-right); Newly elected Sheriff Jon Westering (Center-left) and Sheriff’s Department Deputies and staff (Facebook photo)

On a social media post, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office said McLaren was “Never afraid to wrestle with the largest criminals yet humble and gentle enough to work with victims of horrendous, hateful crimes. His wisdom, work ethic and positive attitude (along with some great inner-office singing) will be greatly missed.”

Over 500 comments were made on the Sheriff’s Office’ Facebook page, wishing Darby McLaren well in his retirement.