(MSC News)--Pottawatomie County Sheriff Greg Riat has been selected for a new role--3rd District county commissioner.

KMAN Radio reports Riat was chosen Thursday evening by 3rd District Republican precinct leaders from among four candidates to fill the seat currently held by Travis Altenhofen.

Altenhofen announced his resignation at the Commission's October 21 meeting, which is effective January 10, 2020.

Riat's name will now be forwarded to Governor Laura Kelly, who will make the official appointment.

He has served as Pottawatomie County Sheriff for the past 19 years.

Following his selection Thursday evening, Riat announced his resignation as sheriff. The county's Republican party will now have 21 days to elect a new sheriff. Riat had already been planning to retire from his position in late 2020.