Sheriff & Undersheriff

Alpena County Sheriff Erik Smith is a lifelong resident of Alpena County, where he resides with his wife Erin and their three children, Gabriella, Patrick and Fitch. Erik is a 1996 graduate of Alpena High School. Following high school, Erik attended Alpena Community College for a short time prior to transferring to Lake Superior State University where he obtained a Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice in 2001 and then attended the MCOLES police academy there.

After college, Erik was sworn in as an Alcona County Deputy on September 11, 2001. In 2007, he became a Deputy at the Alpena County Sheriff’s Office. In 2019, Erik was appointed Undersheriff and on May 20, 2022, Erik was sworn in as Sheriff of Alpena County.

Throughout his career in law enforcement, Erik has served many roles including Huron Undercover Narcotics Team (HUNT) officer, Northern Michigan Mutual Aid Emergency Response Team (NMMA ERT), Fire Investigator, Firearms Instructor, FBI Sniper School, Armorer, School Liaison Officer, and Marine/ORV/Snowmobile DNR safety instructor.

Erik’s interests include enjoying the outdoors, hunting, sailing, and riding his motorcycle. He is actively involved in youth sports in the Alpena area including coaching Little League Baseball and serving as a board member of the Alpena Hockey Association.

Undersheriff Cash Kroll is an Alpena County resident, where he resides with his wife Stephanie and their two children, Alyssa and William. Kroll is a 2001 graduate of Posen High School. Following high school, Kroll attended Alpena Community College where he earned his Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice. He transferred to Saginaw Valley State University where he obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and completed the Delta Police Academy in 2005.

Kroll was sworn in as a Deputy at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center for the Alpena County Sheriff's Office in May 2007. In August 2008 he transitioned to an Alpena County Sheriff's Office Deputy Road Patrol position. Throughout his career in law enforcement, Kroll has served many roles including Car Seat Technician, Death Scene Investigator, Marine/ORV/Snowmobile Deputy, Field Training Officer, Union President/Vice President/Secretary, Child Advocacy Center Multi-Disciplinary Team Member, Sexual Assault Response Team Sheriff's Office Representative, Drone Pilot, and 2013 Officer of the Year.

Kroll's interests include hunting, fishing, cooking, gardening, and spending time with his family.