Okanogan County Sheriff Paul Budrow announces resignation to accept Twisp Police Chief position

OKANOGAN — Okanogan County Sheriff Paul Budrow announced he will step down from his position to accept the role of police chief for the Town of Twisp.

Budrow shared the announcement in a message posted on the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, stating he made the decision after discussions with his family.

“Serving as your elected Sheriff for the past three and a half years has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life,” Budrow wrote. “The trust you placed in me to lead the Sheriff’s Office and serve this county is something I will always be grateful for.”

Budrow said he was proud of the work completed during his tenure and of the staff serving in the sheriff’s office.

“This role has never been just a position — it has been a responsibility to stand alongside dedicated deputies and staff who care deeply about this community,” Budrow wrote. “Together, we have worked to strengthen public safety, build partnerships, and respond to the challenges facing our county with professionalism and integrity.”

Budrow said his decision to leave the elected position was influenced by family considerations, including health insurance coverage.

“After careful consideration and many conversations with my family, I have made the difficult decision to step down as Sheriff to accept the position of Chief of Police for the Town of Twisp,” Budrow wrote. “This decision was not made lightly. As an elected official, the Sheriff’s position does not provide insurance benefits, and ensuring healthcare coverage and financial stability for my family became a responsibility I could not set aside.”

Budrow said the new role will allow him to continue working in the region.

“The opportunity in Twisp allows me to continue serving the region I care about while also meeting those personal obligations,” he wrote.

Budrow said he plans to continue supporting cooperation between law enforcement agencies in the county.

“While my title will change, my commitment to public service and to the people of Okanogan County remains the same,” Budrow wrote. “I will continue working to strengthen cooperation between agencies and to support the safety and well-being of our communities.”

Budrow has served as sheriff for approximately three and a half years. The process for filling the vacancy was not immediately detailed in the announcement.