Crook County Sheriff Jim Hensley retiring
Crook County Sheriff Jim Hensley announced Monday he will retire at the end of the year, after more than 33 years with law enforcement in the county, the last five as sheriff.
Hensley said in a retirement letter that “it is time for me to retire and move on.” His last day will be Dec. 31.
“It is a very difficult decision for me, because of how much I love serving this community,” Hensley said. “It has been an honor being sheriff and I will deeply miss working with all of the fine men and women of the Crook County Sheriff’s Office.”
Hensley, 60, is just a year into his current term. He told NewsChannel 21, “I have made the decision based on health reasons and was planning on going at least another year or two, but didn’t work out that way.”
He also said he’s recommended to the Crook County Court that Undersheriff John Gautney be appointed to serve as sheriff until the next election can be held.
“Undersheriff Gautney has done an outstanding job and is by far the most knowledgeable, qualified and right person to fill” the position, Hensley said, adding that he believes the county court will follow his recommendation.
Hensley said he began his law enforcement duties as a Prineville police officer for nearly four years and joined the sheriff’s office in August 1986, rising through the ranks as patrol deputy, narcotics detective, patrol sergeant and undersheriff, as well as a parole and probation deputy.
Hensley praised the officers he has worked with over the years, saying, “They are all very dedicated to the citizens that we serve and I am proud to say that I was a part of this outstanding organization.
