Tulsa World: Lincoln County sheriff resigns

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Lincoln County sheriff resigns

Former Lincoln County Sheriff Wesley Paul Coffey. JIM BECKEL/NewsOk.com

By ANN KELLEY NewsOk.com
Published: 9/30/2009 11:08 AM
Last Modified: 9/30/2009 4:27 PM

CHANDLER - Lincoln County Sheriff Wesley Paul Coffey resigned Wednesday afternoon after he was unable to complete his required state peace officer training. Coffey, 51, had six months to fulfill the training requirements but didn't.

He resigned after meeting with District Attorney Richard Smothermon for more than an hour Wednesday morning behind closed doors. His resignation letter was sent to county commissioners. In the letter, Coffey wrote he is resigning with regrets and under protest: "I feel this is the best decision for our county at this time."

His undersheriff will take over until commissioners appoint a replacement to serve until the next general election. Coffey was elected in November and took office Jan. 1.

By ANN KELLEY NewsOk.com

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	Report Comment my view, Sand Springs (9/30/2009 11:16:03 AM) I have problem with the law that an elected Sheriff needs to have law enforcement training. The position is mainly adminstrative, There's no training for Congress or the Governor for that manner. But the law is what it is, he [Coffey] should of complied.
	Report Comment Four Sixteen Rigby, Tulsa (9/30/2009 11:35:36 AM) Too bad he didn't decide to be a Tulsa firefighter instead.
	Report Comment Johnny O, Tulsa (9/30/2009 11:48:47 AM) This is a very interesting question posed in this instance. Does an elected Sheriff have to be a peace officer? On one hand, the sheriff is obligated to ensure peace in his county which makes him a peace officer. On the other, he's an elected official. What if he were incapable of attending the CLEET academy because of a disability. Are we not entitled to elect whomever we want? What if he decides not to carry a gun? How can the CLEET requirement dismiss the vote of the people?
	Report Comment oldrustytulsa, Tulsa (9/30/2009 4:02:13 PM) Oh, just think, cleet is above the will of the people, All elected should under Go drug and Alcohol testing before and during voting on any legislation. would not that be a hoot.
	Report Comment Centrist, the burbs (9/30/2009 5:19:04 PM) I guess he did value his job very much.
	Report Comment redbeard, Stillwater (9/30/2009 10:19:06 PM) If he couldn't complete the training,why did he take the job? Strange.
	Report Comment FUTURE WORLD, Tulsa (9/30/2009 11:33:57 PM) Why elect someone not qualified in the first place?

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