Osage County Sheriff’s deputy Cpl. Greg Birch last week retired for a second time. The first time was from the U.S. Army, from a career in which he was an extremely respected leader among higher-ups as much as lower enlisted. 

“He was the man that did everything in special operations you could possibly do,” said Sheriff Mike Bonham, who was introduced to Birch by a retired US Marshal, and an invitation was extended to Birch to come to Missouri and become a deputy. “He’s truly a quiet professional and the driving force behind a few of our military policies on the global war on terror. Greg a brilliant mind with the physical capability to back it up.”

Birch initially served with the 2nd Battalion 75th Rangers in every position, from ammo bearer to platoon sergeant. He later left Regiment and was assigned to a Special Missions Unit from 1987-2002, during which time he was repeatedly deployed into combat/hostile fire zones in 13 different counties. He served in Panama, Desert storm (Iraq 1), Bosnia, Afghanistan, Iraq (GWOT) and many more undisclosed locations. When he came back to Regiment, he took over as the 3rd Battalion Command Sergeant Major. He was awarded the Silver Star at the Battle of Haditha Dam. Birch later served as the 75th Ranger Regimental Command Sergeant Major. He retired from the U.S. Army in 2007 after 30 years of service in a variety of Special Operations units. 

Sheriff Bonham noted that Birch completed his training at the police academy with top honors in all categories. He signed up to be an Osage County Sheriff’s deputy for second career. Deputy Birch was promoted to Corporal, a rank he jumped over in the military.

“We at the sheriff’s office are thankful for your service to our country and county,” said Bonham. “God Bless you and we wish you the best.”

Bonham said Birch plans to maintain a residence in Missouri and keep his Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) certification active. Birch will return to Missouri to serve as a reserve deputy a few times a year.