Finalists Named To Take Over As Natrona County Sheriff

The finalists have been named for the soon-to-be-open position of Natrona County Sheriff.

Lieutenant Gus Holbrook from the Sheriff's Office and Gavin Donnelly of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration had their names submitted by the Natrona County Republican Party to the Natrona County Commissioners for the position.

The party was to submit three names, but Holbrook and Donnelly were the only ones who entered.

The candidates answered questions on issues such as managing department employees, dealing with conflicts with federal, state and local law enforcement and federal firearm enforcement.

County Republican Party Chairwoman Bonnie Foster says she was surprised that there were only two entries, however both have qualifications for the job.

"I think they both did a great job in answering the questions. They come from law enforcement background, one being homeland security, one being actual in the Sheriff's Department for a long time. I thought there would be more from within the county. actually. I expected people from out of the county to apply, because you don't have to be a resident to run."

Current Sheriff Mark Benton will retire at the end of this week, after serving on the force for 40 years, because of health reasons.

The Natrona County Commissioners will choose his replacement at a work session on the morning of Tuesday, June 25th, then make it official at the regular meeting, the following week.

The sheriff position will be up for election in 2014.

Donnelly used to work for the Department of Homeland Security.

He recently sued the Department, claiming damages for breach of contract, wrongful termination and a violation of his civil rights.