Limestone County has a new sheriff in town.
County Coroner Mike West is temporarily taking over the position as Limestone County’s top cop. That follows the conviction of outgoing Sheriff Mike Blakley on two felony counts.
State law says the county coroner is the only person who can arrest a sheriff. West also has to assume the sheriff’s duties once that law enforcement position became vacant.
West said the transition to interim sheriff was smooth.
“It wasn’t really a big transition," he said. "The biggest transition was having to go do all the paperwork, and sign the bonds and all the paper work you have to do. So, that’s the only big difference.”
West said his new job has been manageable.
“The only thing I did was respond to death calls. But now I have to be notified on everything now about what’s going on, so that keeps my phone busy," he said. "Otherwise, it’s been uneventful so far.”
West said he is still able to perform his job as county coroner and his duties as sheriff are only temporary. By law Gov. Kay Ivey has to appoint a new sheriff in Limestone County. That appointment will be made in the coming weeks.
