Sheriff ready to retire

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my job and time here in Wasco County,” he said. “It’s time to let the young guys take over. Things have changed so much. It’s overwhelming.”

Eiesland then recommended the commissioners appoint Chief Deputy Lane Magill as interim sheriff until the May 17 election.

Magill, who has been with the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office since 2002 and chief deputy for five years, is currently the only candidate running for sheriff. The filing deadline is March 8.

“For the past four and half, five years, I’ve been training my replacement,” Eiesland said. “He does an outstanding job. You’re not going to find a more outstanding, honest person than Lane. I recommend you consider my chief deputy.”

After careers in farming and construction, Eiesland joined the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office as a road deputy in September 1987.

In January 2003, Eiesland was promoted to chief deputy and then, after attending the FBI National Academy, was appointed sheriff in March 2004. In between, he was a detective, patrol officer and sergeant on the narcotics task force as well as a patrol sergeant and detective sergeant.

“I got to do pretty much all of it,” Eiesland said. “It was a lifelong career goal to be a police officer and serve the people of Wasco County.

“It was a real honor to be able to meet so many people, not only police officers but so many citizens that I would have never got to meet otherwise. That was really a plus.”