WALLACE — The Shoshone County commissioners selected Shawn Wehr as the next sheriff of Shoshone County on Tuesday.

Wehr, 55, was chosen from a pool of three candidates submitted by the Shoshone County Democratic Central Committee. The list also included Travis Skinner and Chris Rice. 

Commissioners said all three candidates delivered strong interviews but said Wehr’s extensive law enforcement background ultimately set him apart. 

“When I look at Wehr, this area just doesn’t see people like that,” Commissioner Jeff Zimmerman said. “This guy could be in Kootenai County or any city and be making two or three times what he could be making here.” 

Zimmerman’s comments referred to Wehr’s resume, which includes more than three decades of combined military and law enforcement experience, including 30 years with the Los Angeles Police Department. During his time with the LAPD, Wehr served in multiple leadership roles across the organization. 

The appointment was not without discussion. Due to the various strengths presented by each candidate, including Rice’s significant financial acumen and Skinner’s promise of continuity and stability. Commissioner Dave Dose argued in favor of Skinner, who has served as interim sheriff since the resignation of William Eddy last month. 

Dose raised concerns about the possibility that Wehr, who plans to seek election to the position in May, could lose the primary, setting the county up for another leadership transition in January. He said Skinner should continue leading the office as he has over the past several weeks, eliminating the potential for another change in a short period of time. 

Despite his concerns, Dose emphasized that he also believed Wehr was an excellent choice for the position. 

Commissioner Melissa Cowles acknowledged Dose’s point but said a transition was likely regardless. She said Wehr’s experience made him well-suited to stabilize the office and “right the ship” over the next nine months. 

Both Wehr and Rice, along with Pinehurst Police Chief John Richter, will appear on the ballot in the May primary. Cowles said that even if Wehr were to lose the election, his tenure could still help move the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office in a positive direction after months of instability. 

“I think that within nine months and two weeks, things could be turned around in a positive direction,” Cowles said. “And whoever wins as sheriff, they’d be able to take those reins from there.” 

Following the announcement, Wehr said he was excited for the opportunity to serve Shoshone County residents and pledged to lead the department with accountability, transparency and kindness. 

“I’m most excited to go over there and provide steady leadership to an organization that’s been in chaos for quite some time,” Wehr said. “The deputies deserve better than that and, quite frankly, the citizens of Shoshone County deserve a sheriff that will be that person for them.” 

During his interview, Wehr said kindness is one of his core principles and that he intends to bring a positive culture to the department. 

During the interview process, both Wehr and Rice said they would be happy to retain Skinner as undersheriff. Skinner echoed that sentiment, saying he would be willing to work under either candidate to maintain stability within the office. 

“Undersheriff Skinner has been a good placeholder, as best as he can, with the chaos he’s been in and I’m happy he’s going to stay on as undersheriff,” Wehr said. “I think we’ll be a good team.” 

Wehr will be sworn in as Shoshone County sheriff at 3 p.m. Thursday at the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office.