Kevin Larkin first joined the ranks of the Mercer County Sheriff's Office in 1987, after taking an open competitive Civil Service Examination for the title of Sheriff's Officer. He was appointed a Sheriff's Officer by then Sheriff Gil Lugossy. In July of 1990, then Sheriff Sam Plumeri Jr., recognized Kevin's professionalism and dedication to public safety, and promoted him to the position of Detective. Kevin's ongoing professionalism was once again recognized in 1993, when he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, following the result of an open competitive Civil Service promotional examination.

As Detective Sergeant, Kevin's responsibilities included commanding the Detective unit, the Sheriff's Communications Center, criminal investigations, and the Officer in charge of Internal Affairs. Kevin also developed and implemented Mercer County's first K-9 unit. Kevin has participated in many of the community based programs initiated by then Sheriff Sam Plumeri, Jr. and has demonstrated his commitment to continuing and expanding those programs to ensure the safety of all Mercer County citizens.

Since joining the Sheriff's Office, Kevin has distinguished himself within the law enforcement community. He has received more than a dozen commendations from the federal, state and local police agencies. In 2000, Kevin's training and experience were once again recognized, by then Sheriff Sam Plumeri, Jr., when he was appointed to the rank of Chief Sheriff's Officer.

In November 2002, Kevin was elected Sheriff of Mercer County, by the citizens. Kevin holds the distinction and honor of being the first Mercer County Sheriff elected into that office, who has started as a Sheriff's officer and progressed through the ranks to Sheriff.

Kevin has attended over twenty law enforcement specialty schools, including but not limited to, training with the United States Secret Service, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the New Jersey State Police.

Kevin was born in the City of Trenton, New Jersey. He attended and graduated from St. Anthony's High School. He received an Associates Degree from Mercer County Community College. Kevin resides in the Yardville section of Hamilton Township.