HELENA – Twenty-eight years ago, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton changed careers and became a full-time police officer. On Wednesday, Sheriff Dutton was surprised with a star ceremony honoring his work.
Allie Kaiser MTN News
“He’s a good role model. He walks the talk and we’re lucky to have him as our sheriff,” said Candace Payne, Lewis and Clark County Commissioner.
Sheriff Dutton became a full-time deputy in 1996 after serving as a reserve deputy and member of a SWAT team for Lewis and Clark County since 1987.
In 2000, Dutton received the Crime Stoppers Officers of the Year award and was promoted to patrol officer that same year.
Allie Kaiser MTN News
Dutton became undersheriff of Lewis and Clark County in 2003 and was sworn in as sheriff five years later.
The sheriff’s wife, Luci, pinned his seven stars, each representing four years of service.
Dutton said: “If you had told me when I started that I would be sheriff, I probably would have quit. I am very grateful to all the people who have helped me along the way. I have received a lot of help and I need a lot of help. The citizens have been very kind to me. I have worked hard to gain the public’s trust. I have never lied to them and I never will. Sometimes it is difficult to do the right thing, but that is what I try to do.”
Allie Kaiser MTN News
Dutton saw an expansion of the Lewis and Clark County Detention Center during his time as sheriff.
His employees now receive department-issued firearms, and he is working to continue building relationships with departments outside of Montana.
