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Sheriff Paul Budrow is stepping down as Okanogan County Sheriff to return to his previous role as Twisp Police Chief, Budrow announced on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page on Friday.
“After careful consideration and many conversations with my family, I have made the difficult decision to step down as Sheriff to accept the position of Chief of Police for the Town of Twisp,” he wrote in his statement.
Budrow said health benefits were a major consideration in the move.
“This decision was not made lightly,” he wrote. “As an elected official, the Sheriff’s position does not provide insurance benefits, and ensuring healthcare coverage and financial stability for my family became a responsibility I could not set aside. The opportunity in Twisp allows me to continue serving the region I care about while also meeting those personal obligations.”
Budrow served 11 years as Twisp Police Chief before being elected to county sheriff in 2022. Except for a few months under Police Chief Jay King, the position has been vacant.
The Twisp mayor makes the hiring and firing decisions for the police chief. The position does not need town council approval.
Twisp Deputy Clerk Heather Davis told MVE any new hire, including someone returning to the department, had to have passed a background check, psychiatric evaluation and polygraph test.
Undersheriff Dave Yarnell told MVE the county commmissioners will decide on a replacement to serve out Budrow’s term but have not yet made that appointment. Budrow’s term expires this year.
Okanogan County Chief Criminal Deputy Jodie Barcus has thrown her hat into the ring and so far is the only candidate for the seat.
