Michael Bonham took over as Osage County sheriff in December and this week marks nine months since he's been on the job.
Sworn in shortly after his election in November, Bonham said he was well aware of the task he faced to restore confidence in the office.
The previously elected sheriff, Michael Dixon, stepped down after numerous legal issues. Ron Dishman, the interim sheriff chosen to fill out Dixon's term, also stepped down due to legal issues.
Bonham said he is pleased with his first nine months in office.
"The county as a whole has been pretty supportive. The department internally has been super supportive. I have no complaints really. It's been going really good," Bonham said.
One of Bonham's big concerns has been maintaining staff.
"We're moving in a forward direction and getting staff on board, but we're still having people leave because of money," he said.
Bonham said the office has had an issue attracting and retaining candidates due to a lower-than-average starting salary and a lack of benefits comparable to surrounding sheriffs' departments.
"It not just us; all departments are hiring. And when you are one of the lower-paid departments, why come here when you can go to Jefferson City and make $4 or $5 more an hour or go to Capitol Police or down to the Lake of the Ozarks?" he said. "It's not just the cash-value amount. It's the fact that a lot of the other departments are picking up their benefits."
When looking back on his first nine months in office, Bonham was hesitant to pinpoint any one item or accomplishment, but did say the office is adhering to its mission to continuously improve its creed to protect and serve.
"There's no one major accomplishment but an accumulation of a bunch of little things to show the community that the sheriff's office is here for them, and we're doing our best and we want to continue to get better," he said.