Meg Roussos / The BulletinDeschutes County Sheriff Larry Blanton will retire this summer, about a year and a half before the end of his term.

Deschutes County commissioners appear set to approve retiring Deschutes County Sheriff Larry Blanton’s recommendation for Sheriff’s Capt. Shane Nelson to succeed him .

Commissioners heard testimony Monday from Blanton and Nelson, who spoke to Blanton’s achievements as sheriff and Nelson’s career history. Blanton is scheduled to retire June 30.

When Blanton announced his retirement in December, he also announced his support for Nelson, who has held a variety of positions in the sheriff’s office since he began as a reserve officer in 1993. Nelson currently is commander of jail operations.

Commissioners said they’d received inquiries about holding a special election to replace Blanton, but Deschutes County Counsel Dave Doyle said that under Oregon revised statutes, commissioners bear the responsibility of appointing a replacement for the sheriff to serve until the end of Blanton’s term . Nelson, who plans to run for sheriff in the 2016 general election, must sign up to do so this September.

Deschutes County Commission Chairman Tony DeBone thanked Blanton for his service. “The culture of the organization is outstanding,” said DeBone.

Commissioners Tammy Baney and Alan Unger were also supportive. “I think you’ve given us confidence in the leadership,” said Unger. Baney moved to formalize the recommendation into a future consent agenda item.

“It has to go without a hiccup,” said Blanton of the transition, explaining why the matter was brought before the commissioners months before his planned retirement date. He said the sheriff’s office needs time to backfill additional positions, including that of corrections captain, which Nelson would vacate if he is appointed sheriff.

Nelson thanked Blanton, the commissioners and his family and said he had “big boots to fill.” He submitted letters of support from local leaders, including Bend Police Chief Jim Porter, Chief Deputy District Attorney Stephen Gunnels and Redmond School Board Chairman A.J. Losoya. Nelson serves on the Redmond School District board.

Blanton succeeded Les Stiles as sheriff in 2007. While he served as a lieutenant under Stiles, the sheriff’s office secured permanent funding through a tax levy in 2006. A 144-bed expansion of the county was initiated and completed under his leadership in October.

— Reporter: 541-383-0376, cwithycombe@bendbulletin.com