Lane County’s top law enforcement official is leaving his position mid-way through his term to take a security job at PeaceHealth.
In an announcement Thursday, outgoing Sheriff Cliff Harrold thanked the community and the deputies who served underneath him.
“The Sheriff’s Office is well positioned to continue to protect our community with justice and integrity,” Harrold wrote. “In light of this, I couldn’t pick a better time to step away with full confidence in the future of the Lane County Sheriff’s Office and its people.”
Harrold has spent 35 years at the Lane County Sheriff’s Department. He was appointed as Sheriff in 2019 and ran uncontested last year to win his second term. His resignation is effective May 16.
Chair of the Lane County Board of Commissioners David Loveall congratulated Harrold in a post on his personal Facebook page, saying he was sad to see him go. Lane County District Attorney Christopher Parosa, who was elected last year, also thanked Harrold for his service.
“Sheriff Harrold’s sound and steady leadership has made our community safer, modernized our local jail, and improved the lives of countless Lane County residents,” Parosa said. “His charm, thoughtfulness and collaborative nature have been a powerful model for a new District Attorney.”
Chief Deputy Carl Wilkerson will perform Harrold’s duties until the county commissioners appoint a replacement sheriff. The Sheriff’s Office said it expected the commissioners to take up the issue Tuesday, May 6 during their regular business meeting.
In a news release, PeaceHealth said Harrold would lead their security team for the health systems’ entire Oregon network, overseeing safety for both patients and staff.
“His experience in law enforcement and his existing connections with local agencies will prove invaluable as we look to strengthen our culture of safety,” said Alicia Beymer, chief administrative officer for Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend. “His demonstrated focus on development and support for his teams throughout his career dovetails perfectly with PeaceHealth’s mission and values.”
