Adams County sheriff plans to retire in fall

RITZVILLE - Adams County Sheriff Doug Barger decided to call it a career after more than 38 years in law enforcement.

Barger began his career in 1975 as a reserve officer with the Othello Police Department. He was hired as an Adams County deputy in 1984. In October of 2002, he was appointed sheriff by county commissioners, followed by a win in the year's election.

"I was a little reluctant to run for sheriff to begin with," Barger said. "It wasn't in my long-term plan, but I did. But I haven't regretted it."

Barger said he knew it was time to walk away as his passion for the job has dwindled.

"To be perfectly honest, the fire's not burning quite as hot as it did in 1975," he said. "After a certain number of years, you've got to know when to walk away."

Barger retires Sept. 1 and is pleased with the department he will leave behind. Barger, a Republican, would have been up for re-election in 2014 and again, county commissioners will begin the process of naming a replacement. The Adams County Republican Committee accepted applications until Friday and will soon recommend three candidates to commissioners. The person chosen will complete Barger's term and be up for election in 2014.

"I wouldn't want to abandon ship if I though it was a sinking ship," he said. "We all have our troubles, nothing's perfect but I think we're in pretty good shape and provide a good service for our community. I had a great administrative staff to work around and they're all still going to be in place."

Although Barger said he has missed the investigative side of being a deputy, his time has sheriff has expanded his view of law enforcement.

"I think you get a really broader view," he said. "You're picture is a much wider picture today than that narrow little tunnel you looked through as a patrol officer."

As successful as Barger's career was, he does regret not being able to provide a new or remodeled jail for the county.

"That is pretty disappointing to me because we are desperately in need of at least an updated jail," he said. "The monies just were never there to do that."

Several people approached Barger, asking why he is retiring, adding they're sad to see him go. He's hoping more people are happy with his service over the years.

"I think overall it's going to be positive," he said. "I'm sure I have my enemies and in this line of work, you're going to create those enemies. I've always had positive comments from general citizenry."

Being one of the only county sheriffs not from Ritzville, he said the people of Ritzville, Lind and Washtucna have really embraced him during his 12 years serving as sheriff.

Barger and his wife Vonnie, will be celebrating their 38th wedding anniversary in August. Barger moved from Nebraska to the Othello area in 1968 and the two married soon after he joined to Othello Police Department in 1975. Vonnie also retired last year after running a daycare in their home for the past 25 years. The two plan on sticking around the Othello area, close to family, including his three children and three grandchildren.

"There's no real reason to leave right now. It'll be nice to jump in a car and get away if we want to get away," Barger said. "I've got my health. If we're going to do any moving around or just go have some fun, now's the time to do it rather than wait until you're to the point where it's too hard to do that sort of stuff."