Well deserved commendation and something nice from the news this week that we wanted to share for Sunday because it likely didn't make it thru every local algorithm . . .
Sheriff Darryl Forté Announces Retirement of Captain Chuck DeGroff After More Than Four Decades of Service
Jackson County, MO – Sheriff Darryl Forté announces the retirement of Captain Chuck DeGroff, concluding a distinguished law enforcement career spanning more than four decades and encompassing numerous assignments.
Captain DeGroff began his career on September 7, 1982, serving as a dispatcher. In 1984, DeGroff completed academy training and was commissioned as a deputy sheriff.
DeGroff career quickly took on increasing leadership responsibilities and soon expanded into specialized assignments including serving as an acting sergeant. He joined the SWAT Team in 1985, progressing from deputy to sniper and ultimately serving as the SWAT Team Leader from approximately 1999-2005.In 1986, DeGroff was selected as one of the first six members of the Jackson County Drug Task Force, further demonstrating the trust placed in him early in his law enforcement career.
DeGroff became a certified firearms instructor in the mid-1990's and helped establish the Jackson County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard Unit in 1998.In 1999, DeGroff was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He later became the Training Sergeant and, in 2010, established in-service training at our shooting range sharing his experience and knowledge with personnel through in-service instruction, the Blue River Police Academy and training for municipalities throughout Jackson County.
From 2013 to 2015, DeGroff supervised the Sex Offender Registration and Enforcement Unit, before returning to his role as the Training Sergeant from 2015 to 2019. He then served as Operations Sergeant at General Headquarters from 2019 to 2022.In January 2022, DeGroff was promoted to Captain and has commanded the Judicial Protection Division while assisting with Jackson County Detention Center.
Over the course of his career, Captain DeGroff served in numerous areas of the Sheriff’s Office, including Dispatch, Patrol, the Jackson County Drug Task Force, SWAT, Honor Guard, Investigations/SORE, Training, Staff Services and Judicial Protection.
"Captain DeGroff's career reflects decades of service, leadership and commitment to both the Jackson County Sheriff's Office and the community it serves," said Sheriff Darryl Forté. "His influence extends beyond the assignments and ranks he held with the deputies, officers and other law enforcement professionals he trained, supervised and served alongside throughout his career."
"The Jackson County Sheriff's Office congratulates Captain Chuck DeGroff on his retirement and thanks him for more than four decades of dedicated service in Jackson County."
Captain DeGroff officially retires from service on September 25th, 2026, after 44 years of service.
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