Lane County Sheriff Cliff Harrold to Retire After 35 Years, Reflects on Service



EUGENE, Ore. — Lane County Sheriff Cliff Harrold will retire on May 16, 2025, after a 35-year career with the Sheriff’s Office, including six years as sheriff, the agency announced today. Harrold, appointed in 2019 and elected in 2020 and 2024, shared his decision in a heartfelt letter to the community, reflecting on his tenure and future plans.

“It is with much thought and consideration that I have decided to retire from the Lane County Sheriff’s Office effective May 16,” Harrold wrote. “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.” He expressed deep gratitude for the “incredible men and women” of the Sheriff’s Office, calling their dedication to the community “unparalleled” and adding, “I could not have asked to serve alongside better people.”


Harrold noted the difficulty of his decision, revealing he had been eligible to retire since 2023 but found it hard to step away from the meaningful work of public service, which he and his wife, Becky, deeply value. Post-retirement, Harrold plans to join the PeaceHealth Oregon Network as its manager of Security and Public Safety, a role he described as a “new challenge” that will allow him to continue serving while spending more time with loved ones.


Starting as a cadet in the Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post, Harrold briefly worked as a dispatcher for the Cottage Grove Police Department before becoming a full-time deputy in 1995. He served in numerous roles, including corrections, court transport, traffic safety, patrol, SWAT, and marine patrol. Lane County District Attorney Chris Parosa praised Harrold’s leadership, crediting him with enhancing community safety, modernizing the local jail, and improving residents’ lives.

Chief Deputy Carl Wilkerson will serve as interim sheriff until the Board of County Commissioners appoints a successor, with discussions beginning on May 6. Harrold expressed confidence in the Sheriff’s Office’s future, stating, “It has been my honor. Thank you.”

Information and pictures from LCSO

Michael Weber, known for his extensive coverage of crime news in Lane County, continues to provide valuable updates to the local community. He runs the largest crime watch group in Lane County, Lane County Mugshots Uncensored, which currently has over 86,900 members. Support for local journalism is essential, and donations can be made via Venmo to @Michael-Weber-379 (last four digits of phone number: 0825).

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