Beal appointed interim sheriff

The Big Horn County commissioners voted 2-1 on Friday to appoint Jason Beal as the interim Big Horn County Sheriff. Beal was one of three candidates that interviewed for the position. The other two vying for the position were BHC Sergeant Craig Shidler and Greybull Chief of Police Travis Davis.

Beal has been the lead deputy for courtroom security under recently retired sheriff Ken Blackburn.

Prior to the motion to appointing Beal, commission chair Deb Craft read a statement of clarification on candidates’ rank provided by the Big Horn County Republican Party:

“The Big Horn County Republicans met on March 31, 2026, to interview and submit three qualified names to the BHC Commissioners to fill the sheriff’s vacancy. The local Republican Committee ranked submissions in order of preference for the position. Neither Wyoming Statute 18-3524 nor 22-18-111 allows for this. While we appreciate the local Republican committee’s assistance, our obligation in the selection is based on our decision solely on the interviews we conducted today, and our subsequent discussions is what we have done.”

She then asked for a motion to appoint the chosen candidate to the interim position. Commissioner Dave Neves made the motion to appoint Beal. It was seconded by Craft. The motion passed. 

Beal was sworn in by County Clerk Lori Smallwood. He said of his appointment, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Big Horn County Commissioners for placing their trust in me to serve as the Interim Sheriff of Big Horn County.  I am extremely excited and humbled by this opportunity. I look forward to leading the Sheriff’s Office and serving the citizens of Big Horn County into the future.”