After today, Dec. 31, the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office “is going to have to figure out a way to function without Sgt. Ernie Gahimer, who will be retiring after 20 years of service,” said sheriff Frank Rogers.
     Gahimer has had a lifetime of public service, starting at 19 years old with a six-year hitch in the U.S. Navy, said Rogers. Part of his service was as a Navy SEAL.
     He started in law enforcement as a police officer in Alaska and then later worked for the Tonasket Police Department before moving to the sheriff’s office in 1988.
     “Over the years Ernie was involved in pretty much everything that went on in the sheriff's office,” said Rogers.
     “He was a detective, was heavily involved in search and rescue, was a member of the sheriff's office hasty team, was the department diver and was instrumental in the field training program for the county,” the sheriff continued.
     He served as a deputy, sergeant and chief criminal deputy.
     “Ernie not only earned respect and admiration from the men and women he worked with but also with other agencies and the public at large,” said Rogers. “He's known as a real 'cop's cop' and we are truly going to miss him and his talents.”
     A retirement party for Gahimer is planned for 7 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Agriplex at the Okanogan County fairgrounds. (The party previously was announced for the Okanogan Legion Hall; its location has been changed, Rogers said.)
     “The public is welcome to bring their well wishes and any good stories," Rogers said.