Phil English retired and moved to the Wood River Valley two years ago after a 34-year career as a lawman in Texas. Now he's decided it's time to put on a badge again.
English, 60, announced Wednesday that he has applied for the post soon to be vacated by Blaine County Sheriff Walt Femling, who announced his resignation for health reasons earlier this month. The resignation becomes effective March 1.
"I thought I was ready to retire," English said in an interview. "I've enjoyed riding my motorcycle all over the country. When this came up, it kind of clicked—maybe I should give it one more shot. Maybe I can do something to benefit the people in this valley.
"I think I'd be disappointed in myself if I didn't try for it."
English is the third lawman to announce his interest in becoming sheriff. Other candidates are Blaine County Chief Deputy Gene Ramsey and Hailey police Lt. Steve England.
All three are Republicans, a party affiliation that gives them an edge, at least in the first phase of the selection process.
Femling, who has served as sheriff for 24 years, has been elected six times as a Republican. Under Idaho law, the decision on his replacement lies in the hands of the Blaine County Republican Party Central Committee and the three-member Blaine County Commission.
The GOP committee is accepting applications for the job through today, Jan. 28. The committee will then submit the names of three applicants to the county commissioners, who are required by law to choose a new sheriff from the GOP list.
English, who lives in Hailey, moved to Blaine County two years ago after his wife, Beth English, accepted a job as director of Blaine County Emergency Communications.
English said he is well acquainted with both Ramsey and England and thinks both are good law enforcement officers but that he is also qualified for the job.
According to his résumé, English served for 26 years, most recently as a sergeant, with the Longview Police Department in east Texas. From 2001 to 2009, he worked for Intercon Security, a contractor for the U.S. Marshal's Office, as supervisor of security for U.S. Federal Court in the Eastern District of Texas.
English is a certified explosives and drug enforcement expert and has supervision, equipment and security technology experience.
He describes himself in his résumé as "dedicated, self-motivated and conscientious" with "excellent time management and people skills" and as a "strong team player with the ability to work independently."
"If I am chosen, I'll do the best job I can," English said. "The selection process should be geared not toward personalities but to what your management style should be and how you will guide the department.
"For the most part, we have excellent law enforcement in the county. I have nothing but praise for the officers in the department. Gene's a great guy—we've ridden motorcycles together.
"I'm big on training. I'm big on education as far as law enforcement goes and I'm big on hiring the most qualified people. I'm big on officer input. I think you learn as an administrator by being open with the people who work for you and with the public.
"I think law enforcement is here to help the people."
Terry Smith: tsmith@mtexpress.com
Phil English, a 34-year law enforcement veteran, has applied for the vacancy soon to be left by Blaine County Sheriff Walt Femling. Photo by David N. Seelig
