Leo Dutton is Lewis and Clark County's new sheriff.

Dutton, 48, served as undersheriff since 2003 for Cheryl Liedle, who announced her Sept. 1 retirement on Aug. 18. Dutton will fill out the remainder of her term, which runs until 2010.

County Commissioner Ed Tinsley cited Dutton's previous experience as undersheriff, as well the numerous unsolicited calls and notes urging them to hire Dutton as sheriff, as the reasons for the unanimous county commission appointment.

"He's done an admirable job as undersheriff ... and quite a few people within the department suggested that he be tapped to fill Cheryl's spot," Tinsley said on Tuesday. "The community needed someone like him as we make this transition, and he has the respect of his fellow officers."

Tinsley added that he took classes with Dutton years ago at Helena's Law Enforcement Academy, and was impressed with Dutton's skills.

"He taught me a lot about the way the sheriff's office and police operate," Tinsley said. "He was one of my law enforcement mentors."

The choice also was applauded by Det. Dennis Nyland, the president of the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Employees Association.

"We are excited and pleased with the selection of him," Nyland said. "We have always had an open dialogue with him and feel that will not change."

Dutton is a native of Sand Springs, Mont., and moved to Helena with his wife, Luci, where he graduated in 1985 from the University of Montana-College of Technology as a certified airframe and power plant mechanic.

Dutton started with the sheriff's department in 1984 as a reserve deputy and completed SWAT training in 1989. Meanwhile, he worked for St. Peter's ambulance as an emergency medical technician.

He became a full-time deputy in 1996, but kept up with paramedic duties too, before being tapped as undersheriff by Liedle.

"I always wanted to be a peace officer," Dutton recalled after being appointed sheriff on Tuesday. "Law enforcement energizes me. It's my passion."

Dutton's annual pay as sheriff will be $63,315. He will oversee an $8.6 million budget.

Dutton said he'll retain some of Liedle's high-profile interaction with the public and press on large incidents, but won't be as omnipresent as Liedle.

Her desire to be at every fire and flood not only wore on Liedle -- she cited stress and long hours as some of the reasons for her resignation -- it also led to some concerns among the department's 40 officers that she didn't trust their judgment.

The deputies' association recently sent a letter to Liedle listing some concerns with the sheriff's department.

Dutton has nothing but praise for Liedle, but concedes that morale was low in recent months. He noted that good people work in the sheriff's department and "it's time to let them do their job."

"My gift is being able to see other people for what they are and help them succeed in their job," Dutton said. "I plan on doing that, and think that the community is going to see smiles on the deputies' faces.

"We are going to have decisions made at the appropriate level. They will be given responsibility, and with that comes accountability. They will do their job and I want to earn their trust."

Nyland said that's exactly what the deputies want to hear.

"To have that trust, no matter what your rank or position, is a welcoming thing," Nyland said.

Tinsley acknowledged that some people might see hiring Dutton as a continuation of Liedle's tenure, and said that the many deputies who lobbied on Dutton's behalf made him comfortable with the selection.

"He's earned the respect of his peers inside the department," Tinsley said.

Topping Dutton's to-do list is appointing an undersheriff. Dutton said he has a few candidates in mind, but hasn't made his decision yet.

In addition to being sheriff, Dutton is a certified flight instructor with a multi-engine rating, and has an advanced open water SCUBA diving certificate. He and Luci have three children: Luke, 19, Levi, 16 and Logan, 10.

Reporter Eve Byron: 447-4076 or eve.byron@helenair.com