BEND, OR -- After seven years as Deschutes County Sheriff, Larry Blanton announced over the weekend he plans to retire, next summer. Blanton notified staff by email, Saturday night, saying "it's been an honor to serve" the community for so long.
He began his law enforcement career with Bend Police, in 1976. Blanton's retirement is effective July first, a year before the end of his current term. He's encouraging county commissioners to appoint Captain Shane Nelson as interim sheriff, until an election can be held. Captain Nelson will join us, live, Wednesday morning, during Your Town