Lane County Sheriff Cliff Harrold has announced his retirement effective May 16, 2025. Sheriff Harrold has served in the Lane County Sheriff’s Office for 35 years and was appointed sheriff in 2019 before being elected in 2020 and re-elected in 2024.
“It is with much thought and consideration that I have decided to retire from the Lane County Sheriff’s Office effective May 16. After 35 years, I am ready to step back and contemplate what the future looks like for myself and my family,” said Sheriff Cliff Harrold. “It has been an honor to work with all the incredible men and women who make up the Lane County Sheriff's Office. Their dedication to serving our community is unparalleled and I could not have asked to serve alongside better people.”
Harrold began his career in law enforcement as a cadet in the Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 35 years ago and briefly served as a dispatcher for the Cottage Grove Police Department. He was hired as a full-time deputy in 1995. During his career, Harrold served in nearly every assignment available at the Sheriff’s Office, including the Corrections Division, Court Transport, Traffic Safety Team, Patrol, Field Training Officer, SWAT operator, Marine Patrol, and so many more.
“I congratulate Sheriff Cliff Harrold with tremendous appreciation and admiration for his decades of service to Lane County,” said Lane County District Attorney Chris Parosa. “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. His charm, thoughtfulness and collaborative nature have been a powerful model for a new District Attorney. Congratulations Sheriff Harrold, friend.”
Sheriff Harrold announced his retirement with a letter to the Lane County community that was shared online today. The letter is available to read at the bottom of the page.
Chief Deputy Carl Wilkerson will fill the role of Sheriff until the Board of County Commissioners determines the process to appoint the next Sheriff. The Board is expected to begin that discussion next Tuesday, May 6, during its regular business meeting.
To the Lane County community,
It is with much thought and consideration that I have decided to retire from the Lane County Sheriff’s Office effective May 16. After 35 years, including six as Sheriff, I am ready to step back and contemplate what the future looks like for myself and my family.
It has been an honor to work with all the incredible men and women who make up the Lane County Sheriff's Office. Their dedication to serving our community is unparalleled and I could not have asked to serve alongside better people.
The decision to retire was not easy. I have been eligible to retire since 2023, but it has been hard to imagine not doing this meaningful work each day. Public service is at the heart of what I and my wife, Becky, believe we are on this Earth to do. After my retirement, I will join the PeaceHealth Oregon Network as its manager of Security and Public Safety. It will be a new challenge that allows me to continue in community service while spending more time with my loved ones.
Thanks to the people who continue to serve, the Sheriff’s Office is well positioned to continue to protect our community with justice and integrity. 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.
It has been my honor. Thank you.
-- Sheriff Clifton G. Harrold