Murphy to retire from Sheriff’s Office

Goshen County Commissioners

Floyd L. Brandt
Posted 5/4/18

Goshen County Sheriff Don Murphy is stepping down.

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Murphy to retire from Sheriff’s Office

Goshen County Commissioners

Posted

TORRINGTON – Goshen County Sheriff Don Murphy is stepping down.

Murphy, who has served 33 years with the department including 25 years as sheriff, cited his health as instrumental in his decision. In part, due to the fact he could no long drive, Murphy told commissioners he believed it was time to step down.

“It has been a pleasure working with you gentlemen,” Murphy said. “I wish all the luck in the future. 

“I am really going to miss working here, but I think it is time to step down,” he said. “I’m leaving (the department) in good hands.”

Murphy started his law enforcement career in 1978 serving part time with the Goshen County Sheriff’s Posse. He joined the department full time in 1982 and was appointed to the office of Sheriff in December 1993. 

Murphy is the longest-tenured sheriff currently in office in the state. His retirement will become effective May 31.

Commissioners, accepting his resignation, told Murphy he would be missed and that he would always be welcome at their meetings.

Commissioners also discussed the pumping of water from flooded basements in South Torrington into public rights-of-way, noting that, regardless of the number of people with flooding concerns, pumping into right-of-way should not be allowed. 

“We have had some discussions to what the best approach would be, but we did not come up with any formal solutions or policies,” Commissioner Wally Wolski said. “But we need to.

“It is important that we do this, to get some idea of what we are discussing,” Wolski said. “We have to be careful to be fair and to protect everyone.”

Concerns were expressed that, historically, more problems resulting from pumping flooded basements could have been created than were solved. But, with lower water levels along the North Platte and irrigation districts beginning the process of filling canals and ditches, it’s possible flooding may not be as serious a concern this year as in years past. 

In other business:

• Chair Carl Rupp announced his intentions to not seek reelection to the County Commission.

• County Road Superintendent Jerry Hort reported on road maintenance in the Dillman Estates area. 

In March, Brian Lee, representing the Dillman Homeowners Association, told the board residents had used approximately $3,000 of their own funds to purchase and apply a crude glycerin treatment to a section of gravel road in that area.

“We had very good results with this product,” Lee said. “We are simply asking you to take it into consideration for treatment around the county – especially in high-traffic areas susceptible to wear and tear.”

Hort told commissioners on Tuesday that, with use of chemicals mixed in with the gravel to provide strong compaction, the Bridge and Road department plans to do a test plot for the Dillman Estates on possibly the first three quarter of a mile of the main road to strength the road. 

Resident Larry Moore came to the meeting to thank the department for putting up more stop signs to reduce the frequency of accidents in the Dillman Estates and for grading the roads. The commission and road department reached an agreement to how and when the estates will be maintained. 

Hort also told commissioners the department is applying for grants to buy a new equipment lift, moving the air compressor and installing a new exhaust fan for the compressor. They have also completed the rock crushing project to provide gravel for their road projects, crushing an estimated 180,000 ton of gravel. Hort said that is the most rock that has been crushed in the county.

• Commission Chairman Carl Rupp brought to the attention of fellow commissioners that past commissioner Lloyd Petersen had passed away. Petersen was a county commissioner from 2003 to 2007 and chairman during his time on the board. 

• The Commissioners Passed a resolution to appoint a Special Prosecutor to County Attorney to cover cases that may have a conflict of interest or scheduling problem. The appointment was made to a former District County Attorney.

• Undersheriff Jeremy Wardell told commissioners about a request from the Wyoming Department of Corrections to amend its contract for maximum payout from $150,000 dollars to $407,500 dollars, approved by the commission. 

• The commission held an open hearing for residents of Goshen County to be heard regarding Addressing Regulations. There were no public comments and the regulations were passed.

• Lynette Saucedo reported to the commissioners how Comprehensive Community Coalition Partnerships have been affecting the community and the benefits for the county addiction and prevention program.