Commissioners recognize Sheriff Pat Eliasen as retirement nears, swears in Ben Hallberg as interim sheriff

After three decades of service in law enforcement, Sheriff Pat Eliasen attended his final Cook County Board of Commissioners’ meeting on April 28.

Eliasen announced in March that he would retire from the position and not seek reelection this year. His final day as sheriff is May 8.

During the Tuesday, April 28, meeting, the board of commissioners and county officials recognized Eliasen for his many years of service.

County Administrator Kristen Trebil-Halbersma read remarks highlighting Eliasen’s career, which began with the Grand Marais Police Department in 1995 and later continued with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. Eliasen was elected sheriff in 2015 and has since served three terms.

Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen prepares for retirement

Throughout his tenure, Eliasen has worked to modernize practices within the department, including expanding training and implementation of body cameras, Trebil-Halbersma said. Furthermore, Eliasen worked closely with the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and other regional partners to establish a collaborative marine unit ensuring continued water safety after the closure of the Coast Guard station in Grand Marais.

“That effort stands as a lasting example of his commitment to collaboration and problem-solving across jurisdictions,” Trebil-Halbersma said.

Beyond his service in law enforcement, county officials also recognized Eliasen’s broader community impact as a musician.

“Many in the community know Pat for another side of his character, his love of music, whether with a guitar in hand or sharing a song, he has brought people together in a different but equally meaningful way, reminding us that public servants are also neighbors, friends, and part of the fabric of this community,” Trebil-Halbersma said.

After three decades of service, Trebil-Halbersma said Eliasen’s “impact will be felt not only within the sheriff’s office, but across the entire community that he has served.”

Eliasen spoke after the county’s remarks and expressed his thanks to everyone.

“Serving as the Cook County Sheriff has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Eliasen said. “Over the past 31 years in law enforcement, including the last 12 as your sheriff, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside incredible people who care deeply about this county and the people who call it home.”

Eliasen talked about his many years in public service, and while it was challenging at times, he said he appreciated the support, respect, and shared commitment with the county and the fellow dispatchers, jail staff, and emergency management staff.

“I am also grateful to the citizens of Cook County for placing their trust in me. It has been a privilege to serve this community, and I will always carry that responsibility with pride and gratitude. While this chapter is coming to an end, I leave knowing that Cook County is in good hands,” Eliasen said.

Following the remarks, Ben Hallberg was sworn in as interim sheriff.

“We recognize the significant moment in transition and continuity in the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. Ben Hallberg has been dedicated more than two decades to the service of this community through the sheriff’s office, beginning his career in 2004 as a dispatcher and jailer,” Commissioner Ginny Storlie said.

Ben Hallberg being sworn in as interim sheriff during the April 28 meeting | Cook County YouTube

Hallberg will assume the position of sheriff on May 9 and serve until an elected sheriff is sworn in in January 2027. Hallberg announced in March that he will run for Cook County Sheriff in the November election.

Below is audio of the board of commissioners’ recognition of Sheriff Pat Eliasen and the swearing-in of interim sheriff Ben Hallberg during the April 28 meeting.

Kalli Hawkins April 28, 2026