The Duchesne County Democratic Central Committee has received resumes from nine men seeking the office of sheriff. The office was vacated Dec. 8 after the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board voted to revoke the certification of Sheriff Rick Harrison for life.
Roland Uresk, Duchesne County Democratic chairman, said those being considered for the position as the county's top law enforcement officer are current Duchesne County deputy sheriffs Reed Vanwagoner, Jerry Foote and Joe Summarell; Utah Highway Patrol trooper Merv Gustin; former Deputy Sheriff Wendell Roberts; former Roosevelt police officer Dave Holmes; County Commissioner Rick Reynolds; Roosevelt residents Charles "Smiley" Denver; and Ray Zufelt.Acting Sheriff Travis Mitchell did not apply for the position. Mitchell was appointed interim sheriff by county commissioners when they formally removed Harrison from office earlier this month.
Harrison pleaded guilty in federal court last spring to falsifying records in connection with the purchase of semiautomatic assault rifles. He was placed on probation and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
The POST board initially recommended Harrison's certification be suspended for two years. He appealed to an administrative law judge who concurred with their recommendation. However, during a final hearing Nov. 22, the board agreed on the lifetime revocation of Harrison's certification.
Commissioners allowed Harrison to continue in his duties as sheriff throughout his legal ordeals and through his appeals of professional action taken against him.
Uresk said the public will have an opportunity to give input on those seeking to be sheriff during a public hearing Tuesday, Dec. 28, at 7 p.m. in commission chambers at the Duchesne County Courthouse. Written statements on the qualifications of the candidates will be accepted until 5 p.m. Tuesday.
"After the public hearing, the members of the central committee will meet in closed session to personally interview each applicant," said Uresk.
"Following the interviews, we hope to be able to narrow the list down to three names to submit to commissioners for their consideration during their business meeting Wednesday."
The commission is responsible for making the final selection. Should they fail to agree on a replacement, the decision would be made by Gov. Mike Leavitt, said Uresk.
One year remains in Harrison's four-year term.