2026 Interim Sheriff Appointment

Choosing an interim sheriff is one of the most important decisions now before the Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners, and I take that responsibility very seriously. This decision directly affects public safety, stability, and trust in county government. 

First, I want to thank all five individuals who stepped forward to serve the people of Sweetwater County. Putting your name forward for public service requires commitment, courage, and a willingness to be scrutinized, and every candidate deserves our appreciation. 

I also want to thank the Sweetwater County Republican Party, which took its statutory responsibility seriously and conducted a thoughtful, thorough, and fair process to identify and forward three qualified nominees to the Board of County Commissioners. 

Now the responsibility shifts to the commissioners. Together with my four colleagues on the Board, my job is to select the individual we believe is best prepared to serve as sheriff through January 4, 2027. This is not the selection of the next elected sheriff. That decision belongs to the voters of Sweetwater County, and I look forward to a robust campaign season in which candidates can make their case directly to the public. Our task now is to provide continuity and stable leadership until that election. 

In the meantime, my role is to respect the process established by Wyoming law, carefully evaluate the three nominees before us, and make the decision that I believe is in the best interests of Sweetwater County during this interim period. My focus will be on selecting the individual who can provide stable leadership, maintain public confidence, and effectively lead the Sheriff’s Office throughout this transition. 

I recognize that each candidate has supporters, and this appointment will be made in a public meeting where every commissioner’s vote is cast openly. Not everyone will agree with the final decision, but transparency and accountability are essential to this process. My commitment is to approach this decision thoughtfully, fairly, and with the long‑term interests of Sweetwater County in mind. 

I look forward to meeting individually with each of the three nominees to learn more about their experience, leadership approach, and plans for the Sheriff’s Office. I am also interested in hearing from members of the public. If you would like to share your thoughts on this appointment, please contact me at richardsi@sweetwatercountywy.gov.