Lincoln County Sheriff Withdraws Resignation

The sheriff of Lincoln County has withdrawn his resignation after county commissioners delayed action on whether to accept the resignation.

Tuesday, October 6th 2009, 9:59 am

By: News 9


Staff and Wire Reports

CHANDLER, Oklahoma -- The sheriff of Lincoln County has withdrawn his resignation after county commissioners delayed action on whether to accept the resignation.

Sheriff Wesley Paul Coffey withdrew the resignation Monday following a commission meeting.

Coffee tried resigning last Wednesday after he failed to get CLEET certified. The certification is necessary for all law enforcement in the state to prove they can physically do what the job requires.

Reports show the sheriff suffers from minor strokes, which is the reason he was unable to receive his certification.

District Attorney Richard Smothermon said he's researching whether Coffey could be entitled to an exception that would allow him to remain sheriff. Smothermon told commissioners he would have a written opinion to them by Thursday.

Residents in Chandler strongly support what the D.A. is trying to do.

“He is a symbol to everybody. Everybody knows he’s a great person,” said Chad, a Chandler resident who supports the sheriff.

It’s a sentiment felt by many in Chandler who defended Lincoln County Sheriff Paul Coffee. Don Sporleder, one of three Lincoln County Commissioners, calls the situation unfortunate.

“I feel really bad about this, this situation because he was elected by a large majority of voters. It wasn’t close. He won by a big margin,” said Lincoln County Commissioner Don Sporleder.

That’s why Sporleder said he and the other two commissioners decided not to accept Coffee’s resignation. They are holding off in hopes the D.A.’s office can find some way for Coffee to serve despite his medical condition. If not, Sporlede said there is really only one decision the commissioners can make.

“We have to follow what the law says. If the law says you have to have a CLEET certification 6 months after being elected to that office, than we have to do what the law says,” Sporleder said.

That’s a decision the public admits they would have a hard time understanding.

“He’s a good man. All the heart condition stuff goes away. He’s a hero to everybody,” a Chandler resident said.

If it's determined Coffee can no longer serve as sheriff it will be up to the county commissioners to elect a new sheriff.

More on News9.com:

Sheriff Unable to Complete Certification, Resigns | CLEET: Lincoln Co. Sheriff Not Eligible to Serve

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