Gogebic Sheriff Solberg to retire

By P.J. GLISSON

news@yourdailyglobe.com

Bessemer — Gogebic County Sheriff Ross Solberg announced last week his plans to retire from his position as of the end of this year.

“It’s not that I don’t like my job; I just feel it’s time,” said Solberg during the public comment session of a meeting of the Gogebic County Board of Commissioners.

Solberg said his current term is up as of the Nov. 5 election, and he will not run for office.

He added that he will endorse Undersheriff Jorge Cruz as his successor. Cruz confirmed after the meeting that he intends to run for Solberg’s job.

Solberg told The Globe after the meeting he’s been working for the Sheriff’s Office for 31 years.

Solberg began as sheriff on Jan. 1, 2022, after serving 11 years as undersheriff and prior years as a deputy. He had been recommended to the top job by his predecessor, Pete Matonich, who served his last day as sheriff on Dec. 31, 2021.

Upon becoming sheriff, Solberg promoted Cruz — then a detective sergeant — to the role of undersheriff.

Cruz said Monday by phone that he began with the Sheriff’s Office in 2007 as a patrol deputy and then became a detective sergeant about five years later. He worked for a decade in that role.

The undersheriff said that his focus now is in getting his petition filled out and getting on the election ballot.

“I’m dedicated to the citizens of Gogebic County, and I’m excited for this next chapter,” said Cruz, adding if elected, regarding a successor to his current position, “Ideally, I would like to promote from within.”

At the March 13 meeting of the county commissioners, both Solberg and Cruz received praise.

“You have done a very fine job,” said Board Chairman James Lorenson to Solberg. “We’re very appreciative of your work.”

He offered the sheriff best wishes for his pending retirement.

Commissioner Daniel Siirila, in turn, told Cruz of his potential role as sheriff, “As a board member, I think you will do one heck of a job.”