El Dorado ? Butler County Sheriff Craig Murphy says health concerns prompted him to resign.

The 68-year-old Murphy announced Wednesday that he will step down immediately, although he won’t officially retire until April 17. He has been with the Butler County sheriff’s department for 34 years.

Butler County Administrator Will Johnson says Undersheriff Kelly Herzet will serve as interim sheriff.

Johnson says the Butler County Republican Party will meet within 21 days to nominate a new sheriff. Gov. Sam Brownback will make the official appointment.