Retirement party for Ernie Gahimer Jan. 10

Okanogan County Sheriff's Sergeant Ernie Gahimer will be the guest of honor at a party Saturday, Jan. 10, to celebrate his retirement after 20 years with the sheriff's office. The retirement party will be at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Okanogan.

After a six-year hitch in the U.S. Navy, part of it as a Navy SEAL, Gahimer worked in law enforcement in Alaska and Tonasket before joining the sheriff's office.

"Over the years Ernie was involved in pretty much everything that went on at the sheriff's office," wrote Okanogan County Sheriff Frank Rogers. Gahimer served as a detective, worked a lot with the county search and rescue unit, was a diver and part of the Hasty team and was involved in the field training program.

"Through the years Ernie worked his way through the ranks, as a deputy, sergeant and chief criminal deputy," Rogers wrote. "Ernie not only earned the respect and admiration from the men and women he worked with, but also with other agencies and the public at large," Rogers wrote. "Ernie has been a big part of law enforcement in this county for a lot of years. He's known as a real 'cop's cop' and we are truly going to miss him and his talents."

People who want to attend the party are asked to bring their good wishes and their favorite Ernie Gahimer stories, Rogers said.