WALLACE — The sudden resignation of Shoshone County Sheriff William Eddy last Friday has once again left the department searching for a leader.

Over the weekend, several local officials weighed in on the situation, which began in October 2025 after former Sheriff Holly Lindsey resigned following a traffic incident in which she is facing misdemeanor charges.

Eddy was one of three selections, along with Spike Angle and Chris Rice, submitted by the Shoshone County Democratic Central Committee (SCDCC) to the Shoshone County commissioners for the open position.

Although the commissioners unanimously confirmed Eddy, he was not the board's unanimous choice. Commissioner Dave Dose suggested selecting Angle. Angle was also the unanimous choice of Shoshone County’s Fraternal Order of Police, which sent the commissioners a letter in support of him ahead of their decision.

However, Commissioners Melissa Cowles and Jeff Zimmerman ultimately chose Eddy.

“I hope we can select a solid replacement quickly and bring some much-needed stability to this very important department,” Dose said Friday.

Major events and controversy marked Eddy’s tenure. During his short time in office, he navigated the department through two natural disasters and the Dec. 26 shooting in downtown Wallace that ended inside the sheriff’s office. In January, the police chiefs of Kellogg, Osburn and Pinehurst wrote a 2,000-word letter of no confidence in Eddy, which he called a “witch hunt.”

Several longtime deputies and administrators at the SCSO resigned during Eddy's tenure. Just before the new year, Eddy appointed Travis Skinner as the department’s undersheriff.

Skinner, now acting as interim sheriff, released a statement on social media Friday afternoon, thanking Eddy for his service and the community for its support.

“During this transition, my role is to help ensure continuity, stability, and support for the employees of this office and the community we serve,” Skinner said. “I will support the process and assist the appointed sheriff to ensure a smooth transition. Our focus remains unchanged: providing fundamental law enforcement services, acting with fairness, and treating every person with dignity and respect.”

Shoshone County Prosecuting Attorney Ben Allen offered insight into the department's challenges and emphasized the importance of the SCDCC and the commissioners selecting the right successor.

“The resignation of Sheriff Eddy brings to light the difficulties with serving in public office,” Allen said. “Whether you have served for three years or three months, I think anyone willing to step into a role such as this deserves thanks for their willingness to serve. As the SCSO attempts to heal from recent events and move forward in the face of adversity, my hope is that our community can wrap around and support our law enforcement officers across North Idaho so that they can in turn, better serve our communities. Whoever is selected as the next sheriff of Shoshone County will have monumental challenges ahead of them. Regardless of whether that candidate aligns with our political views or received our vote at the ballot box, once they are in office, we must find ways to overcome our differences and work together to make our community a better place.”

The process for choosing Eddy’s replacement is one many have questioned since the commissioners appointed him in November.

Because the last elected sheriff was a Democrat, the SCDCC must complete the initial steps to find a replacement.

Once commissioners formally accept Eddy’s resignation, a 15‑day window opens for the SCDCC to find, vet and submit three candidates for commissioners to consider. If commissioners cannot choose from those candidates within another 15 days, the decision reverts to the SCDCC.

If the SCDCC is unable to decide within an additional 15 days, commissioners have five days to appoint a qualified candidate of their choosing, regardless of political affiliation.

If that step cannot be completed, the decision moves to Idaho Gov. Brad Little.

Rice, who many believed had the strongest interview of the three candidates in November, has confirmed he will again submit his name for consideration. He has also stated his intention to seek election to the office in the coming cycle.

Angle has not yet decided whether he will apply.

SCDCC Chairperson Diannah Fields-Brown, who was unavailable during the November selection process, previously said her group had been closely watching county leadership and had grown concerned about perceived “ruptures” within the ranks.

“We acknowledge the resignation of William Eddy as Shoshone County Sheriff,” Fields-Brown said. “Pursuant to Idaho Code § 59-902, once the resignation has been accepted by the county commissioners, the Shoshone County Democratic Central Committee will begin accepting resumes for appointment to sheriff from qualified candidates who meet residency requirements.”

Interested applicants should include any certifications or specialized law enforcement training. Resumes and letters of intent may be sent to [email protected].

    Eddy