Former Mercer County Sheriff Kevin Larkin, a likable career law enforcement official who served from 2003 to 2010, died on August 12. He was 73.
He became a sheriff’s officer in 1987 and later became a detective sergeant and a chief warrant officer.
Four-term Sheriff Samuel Plumeri resigned in 2002 and endorsed Larkin as his replacement. Plumeri was also serving as the Mercer County Democratic Chairman and announced his departure at the Democratic county convention in March; that allowed Larkin to win the county line without opposition.
In his first campaign, Larkin defeated Richard Prunetti, a cousin of Cunty Executive Robert Prunetti, by about 9,000 votes, a 55%-45% margin.
He was re-elected in 2005 by roughly 14,000 votes, 58%-42%, against Republican Paul Lagana, the assistant superintendent of a state prison for sex offenders in Avenel. Larkin won a third term against retired State Police Captain James McSorley by around 34,000 votes, 64%-36%.
In October 2010, Larkin unexpectedly announced his resignation; he cited health issues and his desire to spend more time with his two sons, ages five and six. Another son died tragically in a gun accident in 2002, at age thirteen.
He was succeeded by Democrat Jack Kemler, who was elected in 2011 and is up for re-election this year.
Mercer County Executive Dan Benson praised Larkin’s 29-year law enforcement career.
“I had the opportunity to work with Sheriff Larkin during my time on the Hamilton Township Council, and as County Commissioner (then known as Freeholder), and to run on a ticket with him during my first campaign for Freeholder in 2008. Sheriff Larkin was known as an accessible, friendly face about the County who took his duty seriously and cared about his officers,” said Benson. “My thoughts are with his sons and all his family members, and I know he will be dearly missed by those who had the honor to serve alongside him.”
In addition to his sons, Larkin is survived by his wife, Samantha.
Larkin was related to Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes on his mother’s side.
TAPinto East Windsor/Hightstown first reported Larkin’s death.