Update: Missing ex-Benton County sheriff found after Silver Alert issued in Richland

A statewide Silver Alert for a former Benton County sheriff was canceled Wednesday morning after he returned home after nearly 15 hours.

Former Sheriff Jim Kennedy, now 88, left his home about 8 p.m. for a trip to Safeway on George Washington Way but did not return home Tuesday night, said a Facebook post by the Richland Police Department.

He left his cell phone at home and recently underwent a medical procedure that “creates a higher concern for his welfare,” said the post.

Richland police later posted he was back home safe at 10:40 a.m. It wasn’t immediately clear if he had returned on his own.

Late Tuesday, officers were able to confirm that his gray 2000 Honda Accord was seen in the area of the store about 8 p.m. but it had not been found.

A Silver Alert was issued and his family asked for the public’s help in finding him.

Kennedy, known for his gregarious Southern charm, served 12 years as sheriff in Benton County before retiring in 1999.

His law enforcement career began with three years as a military policeman, then 25 years with the Washington State Patrol - interrupted for three years to work as chief of the Hanford Patrol. He was elected sheriff in 1986.

This story was originally published May 7, 2025 at 10:03 AM.