Sheriff Blackburn announces forthcoming retirement

A nearly 20-year career as the Big Horn County Sheriff will come to an end in March for Sheriff Ken Blackburn, who this week announced his plans to step away from the position.

“This is my formal notice that I will officially retire from my position as sheriff of Big Horn County on March 17, 2026,” Blackburn wrote in a statement to Big Horn County newspapers. “I feel it is necessary to retire at the beginning of the election cycle, because I will not “retire in place,” waiting for my time to expire as a lame duck.

“I am doing this with Big Horn County at heart. With me out of the way, the process of succession can begin unfettered, and the Citizens/Republican Party will have the opportunity to observe and prepare to choose the sheriff who will best serve them. I’m not endorsing anyone at this exact moment.”

A fourth-generation Wyomingite, Blackburn, of Cowley, served as a deputy for around 10 years in the 1980s and ‘90s, then worked as director of emergency services at the Powell Hospital for several years before quitting to start his own business, Cowboy Community Recycling. He has served in emergency service and law enforcement for some 38 years, 19 years as sheriff, first elected in 2006.

Born in Powell and raised in Billings, Blackburn moved to Big Horn County permanently in 1984 and got into law enforcement. He has worked for the National Park Service, the Lovell and Cowley police departments and the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office from around 1986 through ’98.

Blackburn is chairman of the Wyoming Search and Rescue Council and has served as vice chairman of the Local Emergency Planning Committee for many years. He is past president of the Wyoming Sheriff’s Association.

“For everything there is a time and a season,” Blackburn said. “Second only to my faith and family, serving the citizens of Big Horn County as your sheriff these last 19 years has been one of the greatest honors and blessings of my life. I’ve worked hard to develop relationships and partnerships throughout Wyoming and the Western United States that will benefit Big Horn County and the brave men and women that serve you. I’ve given my heart and soul to this office, often at the expense of my health, family time and personal gain in many instances.

“I have always preached God first, family second and Big Horn County third. Too often during my over 40 years as a first responder my family has not come first and has taken a back seat to my service to others. My family and a lot of personal soul searching have helped me realize it is time to sunset this season from the demanding rigors of the office of Sheriff.”

Blackburn said it is time for some new blood in the position.

“This office is for a younger man or woman,” he said. “I have to face the fact that I am not as young as I used to be, and the constant demands and stress of this job have begun to take a toll. I am still in good shape and have maintained all my physical and skilled qualifications, but I am definitely slowing down, and I refuse to be a liability in the field to the great officers that I serve with.

“I am grateful for all of the relationships I’ve made during these last almost five terms. I want to thank the voters of Big Horn County for the faith and trust you have had in me. I’m excited to begin a new season that will have my faith and family first and perhaps continue my public service in a less strenuous capacity.

“I love the people of this county. Thank you for the love and support you have shown me for the last 40 years. With love, your Sheriff Ken Blackburn.”

Once the sheriff’s retirement takes effect, the open position will go to the Big Horn County Republican Party, who will take applications and narrow the candidates to three people. The Big Horn County Commissioners will then decide who the next sheriff will be and make an appointment.

Whoever is appointed would then need to run in the 2026 primary and general elections and be elected in order to continue serving. Most of the county elected officials are up for election in 2026, all but one commissioner who was elected in 2024.