Search for Sheriff Falls' replacement begins - KOBI-TV NBC5 / KOTI-TV NBC2

Medford, Ore — The Jackson County commissioners have officially begun their search for a new sheriff.

Sheriff Corey Falls said last month that he is leaving the County for a position with Gresham police at the end of the year.

For the first time Tuesday morning, commissioners discussed plans for naming a full time successor.

“Moving forward and not going back is very important to us,” said Noah Strohmeyer with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Employees Association.

It was standing room only at a Jackson County special meeting, as commissioners started the process of replacing outgoing Sheriff Corey Falls.

“We want to stay on the same track, same trajectory that Corey Falls has put us on as far as a positive healthy relationship with the community, positive healthy relationship with the employees association and keeping public safety as a general overall goal,” said Strohmeyer.

Many of those in attendance representing the sheriff’s offices union.

“It sounds like they are trying to make it as quick as possible, and that’s encouraging right now,” said Strohmeyer.

Others representing community groups like the racial equity coalition.

“We would really appreciate a candidate that invested in racial equity who has demonstrated experience in implicit bias and community policing and wants to work with communities of color to find a way forward,” said Amanda Singh-Bans.

The commissioners will begin looking through resumes before the Christmas weekend with the same goal as the community and sheriff’s employees, finding the right man or woman for the job.

On Tuesday, commissioners put out a call for resumes. They’ll start looking at those resumes around Christmas. Commissioners will then reconvene in January to decide whether a citizen panel should help pick a new sheriff–or the commissioners can select one themselves.

At this point, Sheriff Falls’ final day hasn’t been announced.

The board of commissioners released the following information regarding the application process for the sheriff’s position:

JACKSON COUNTY SEEKING QUALIFIED PERSONS FOR APPOINTMENT AS SHERIFF

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners is seeking qualified persons who are interested in being appointed Jackson County Sheriff due to the anticipated resignation of Sheriff Corey Falls. The Board will appoint a person to complete Sheriff Falls’ elected term, which expires at the endof 2018.

Interested persons should submit a complete package that includes: a letter of interest; a resume; a statement that they meet the qualifications of Sheriff under Jackson County’s Home Rule Charter which is that they are a legal voter of the State, that they have resided in the County one year immediately before assuming office, and that they have those qualifications as prescribed for them under State law; and a courtesy letter from DPSST determining whether the individual is eligible to serve in the office of Sheriff.

To be considered, interested persons should submit a complete package to the Board of Commissioners’/County Administrator’s Office no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 23, 2016, by either email ([email protected]) or in person/mail at 10 South Oakdale, Room 214, Medford, Oregon 97501.