Ben Cole has been the Undersheriff for Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office for 10 years.

Before that, he worked at the Fort Scott Police Department for five years.

He is leaving law enforcement on September 8.

As undersheriff, Cole was responsible for the day-to-day operation of the department, reviewing all criminal reports, assisting with investigations, and supervising 16 personnel including deputies and support staff.

His colleagues are the best part of the job for Cole.

“The people that worked for me,” he said. “They have always been so supportive, easy to work with, and ALWAYS willing to go above and beyond to help grow this department. I will for sure miss them all. I have had the pleasure of meeting several great sheriffs across the state at different conferences and so not seeing them or being able to pick their brains, or being involved in the law enforcement activities, I will miss that as well.”

“Law enforcement has changed so much in the last 15 years and the challenge has always been keeping up with new laws and new ways to solve crimes that take place within our community,” he said. “And keeping staff, as no one wants to get into law enforcement because of the way society is and what they see on TV. And sometimes the pay is not worth the risk that we all take in law enforcement.”

Cole will continue coaching golf.

“I am going to continue to be the assistant golf coach at Fort Scott Community College,” he said. “I will find something else to do to keep me busy, but for now just going to relax and play more golf.”