New sheriff takes office
 
By Ryan Woodard
The Rapid City Journal - Rapid City, South Dakota
 
CUSTER -- Custer County Sheriff-elect Rick Wheeler has taken office sooner than expected.

Wheeler, who had been scheduled to take office Jan. 1 after defeating incumbent Phil Hespen in the June primary, was instead scheduled to be sworn in Friday afternoon.

Hespen, who was elected sheriff in 2002, decided to step down early.

"I’m going to pursue other employment opportunities," he said Friday afternoon, although he was not specific.

He said he has enjoyed his time as sheriff of Custer County.

"It’s been a tremendously interesting experience," he said. "I’ve enjoyed it very much. I’d like to say thanks to the supporters in the community."

Hespen also wished luck to Wheeler.

"I wish Rick the best," he said. "It’s a very tough job for anybody. If anybody can do it, Rick probably can."

Wheeler could not be reached Friday for comment. However, he has said one of his goals as sheriff is to watch for Warren Jeffs — the fugitive leader of a polygamist group linked to a group living near Pringle.

"What I would like to do is keep in contact with people in the immediate area and touch base with law enforcement in the areas where colonies are set up," he said in an earlier interview.

Wheeler has also mentioned plans to revive the sheriff’s reserve program and to keep a deputy at the east county substation as much as possible.

Wheeler, 52, said he has 12 years of experience in law enforcement with the Custer, Shannon and Fall River county sheriffs’ offices. Wheeler owns French Creek Supply, and he works as a Shannon County deputy and for the Fall River County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Wheeler has said he is confident that he can handle the job, despite not being as experienced as some other law enforcement officials.

"I’m a straight shooter. I think (I’ll) do a good job," he said.

Wheeler defeated Hespen in the Republican primary June 6. He was automatically elected sheriff because there are no Democratic or independent candidates.

Contact Ryan Woodard at 394-8412 or ryan.woodard@rapidcity journal.com
 
RapidCityJournal.com
Originally published June 24, 2006
 
Back