MONROE — Green County Sheriff Jeff Skatrud, a 43-year law enforcement veteran, announced this week he is stepping down from his elected post due to undisclosed “physical challenges.”

His last day on the job is set for June 30.

“Simply put, a number of physical challenges are interfering with my ability to serve as Sheriff,” the 65-year-old Skatrud said in a surprise announcement. “It’s time to step aside.”

After starting out as cop in Shullsburg, Skatrud has been with the Green County Sheriff’s Office since 1981. This is his second stint as the county’s sheriff, having served previously from 2011-2013.

“I’ve raised my two sons here and been a part of the community for basically my entire adult life,” he said. “It has given back to me way more than I have been able to give it. I will be forever grateful for the partnerships and friendships that we have cultivated over the years and know that those friendships will continue.”

He added that the job, which includes overseeing the jail and courtroom security, requires a “huge amount of energy” and that it is nearly impossible to take time off and fully “unplug” from its demands — a major reason for his decision to step down early. 

Skatrud said he will leave the sheriff’s office in good hands, including those of recently named Chief Deputy Cody Kanable. But it will be up to Gov. Tony Evers whether to appoint a replacement to serve the remaining two years of Skatrud’s term.

“I do hope the governor’s office will consider Cody” for the interim sheriff’s job, said Skatrud. “I just came the realization that this (stepping down early) is good for the agency and good for the county at this time.”

Skatrud also said he plans to spend more time with his wife Lynne, as well as with sons, Josh, an educator in Elkhorn and Sgt. Kevin Skatrud of the Rock County Sheriff’s office. A new grandchild also is on the way.

His brother, Dan Skatrud, was a 38-year law enforcement veteran, and served as a detective on the Monroe Police Department.

Sheriff Skatrud, who declined to detail any specific health issues, said he will miss working with the people in and around local law enforcement most of all.

“As far as (future) work goes, I don’t have any plans or projects (in mind),” he said. “I just have a lot of miles on the odometer…and this is a job that requires a huge amount of energy.”

Skatrud said there is a good chance Evers’ office will appoint a replacement before his last day on the force in June.