Oregon Public Broadcasting

Multnomah County Sheriff, Bob Skipper, spoke Wednesday morning about his decision to stop fighting to keep his job, and return to retirement. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.

Skipper was trying to re-certify his law enforcement credentials after coming out of retirement. He failed the written test and didn’t have time to complete 16-week basic training.

Bob Skipper: “I will finish 35 and a half years come November 5th and even though it’s been stressful at times, I’ve enjoyed every last minute of it.” 

The county commission has approved interim designee Undersheriff Tom Slyter. But he doesn’t have his police certification either.

So Skipper has put forward another nominee, Lieutenant Dan Staton

Dan Staton: “It’s something that I’ve always aspired for. I think that this has come way early in my career. After discussions with the sheriff and looking at what I’ve been involved with in the agency, I think I’m ready for it.”

With the county comission’s approval, Staton would serve as interim sheriff until an election in May.