Experience

• Performed all duties of the office of Sheriff for over 17 years
• Responsible for office of Coroner since 2019
• Manages 20 million dollar budget
• Co-ordinates multi-jurisdictional, multi-level incidents, involving local, state and federal agencies                                                           

  

• Supervises 205 employees
• Over-sees Lewis and Clark County Detention Facility
• Lewis and Clark County Fire Warden 2008-present
• Responsible for Lewis and Clark County Search and Rescue
• Coordinates evacuations due to fires and other threats to the community
• Represents Lewis and Clark County on multiple boards and committees at state, local and national levels

  Sheriff Dutton has the administrative experience needed for this position and has proven it over the last 17 years. He understands that successful law enforcement is a joint effort and is quick to give his team credit. I am happy to give Leo my support!  ~Maureen Oelkers

                Accomplishments

• Continuing to increase the number of deputies and detention officers to facilitate comprehensive public safety 
• In partnership with local emergency services, we helped provide over 100 children and their families with gifts during the holidays through the Heroes and Helpers program
• The first Sheriff to bring the “Man Up Crusade” to the Lewis and Clark County Stampede. The “Man Up Crusade” brings awareness to the epidemic of domestic violence in our society
• Detectives from my office solved a 53-year-old cold homicide case
• Re-Elected Sheriff-Coroner in 2022
• Coordinated with community members to upgrade the existing detention facility and hired staff to operate it 
• Became Coroner in January of 2019
• Re-elected Sheriff-Coroner in 2018
• Constructed a new Search and Rescue building allowing for professional training space and storage/maintenance of critical emergency equipment
• Served as incident commander for the multi-agency man-hunt in 2015 (one of the largest in Montana history), which resulted in the homicide suspect’s capture 
• Implementation of Active Shooter Response training in our schools
• One of the original leaders in implementing the 24/7 Sobriety Program in Montana
• Began first Honor Guard for Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office which has since been expanded across the state
• Authorized the formation of first Emergency Boat Team in the county
• Maintained training as a budget priority
• Worked hard to establish good relationships with citizens in outlying areas including meeting regularly with business leaders in Lincoln, Augusta, Craig, Wolf Creek, Canyon Creek and Canyon Ferry
• Member of Fight Crime/Invest In Kids and served on Montana delegation to Washington, D.C.
• Spear-headed implementation of the Public Safety Communications Radio Project
• Developed a strong leadership team that shares a common desire for excellence
• Re-elected Sheriff in 2014
• Elected Sheriff of Lewis and Clark County in 2010
• Appointed Sheriff by Lewis and Clark County Commission in 2008
• Selected as Field Training Officer (FTO) in 1998, as well as assistant team leader of the tactical unit starting in 1992
• Appointed Undersheriff in January 2003
• Became full-time Lewis and Clark County deputy in 1996
• In 1984, joined the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Reserve  

  As Rosebud County Sheriff for ten years, I have learned how incredibly important this office is. The duties of Sheriff cover a wide range of challenges and Sheriff Dutton has the vast experience necessary to carry out those duties. He has served his community with honor and has always been there for me, as he is for you, the citizens of Lewis and Clark County. 
In these times, it is difficult to find a genuinely honest, caring, confident elected official. In my opinion, you are lucky to have that in Sheriff Dutton. ~Rosebud County Sheriff,  Allen Fulton

Boards and Committees

• Montana Representative to the National Sheriffs Association (NSA)
• Past President of Western States Sheriff’s Association executive board (19 member states)
• Chairman Conference and Training Committee Western States Sheriffs Association (WSSA)
• Board member of Supreme Court's Pre-trial Implementation Program
• Public Safety Radio Advisory Council alternate board member
• Board member of the Montana Guardian Fund 
• Dept. of Livestock Crimestoppers Board
• Chairman Montana Board of Crime Control
• Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council Board member
• Board member and past-president of the Montana Sheriff's and Peace Officers Association(MSPOA)
• Lewis and Clark County Children's Advocacy Center of AWARE advisory board
• MSPOA Search and Rescue Committee
• Member of the MSPOA Tactical Commanders Advisory Committee
• Fire Warden and member of Lewis and Clark Rural Fire Council

Education

• Montana Basic Coroner Certification Class 2017
• Advanced Death Investigation School 2017-present
• Completed the Sheriff's Institute in Aurora, CO in 2012
• 2007 graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy in Quantico, VA, earning credits from the University of Virginia in: Labor Law, Executive Leadership, Writing and Media Relations, Fitness in Law Enforcement and the U.S. Constitution 
• Attended Professional Leadership Development School in 2009 at Montana Law Enforcement Academy
• Fire Warden Training 2009-present
• Attended F.B.I. Command College
• Attended National Institute of Corrections course on Planning of New Institutions
• Trained in National Incident Management System
• Received the following certifications from the Montana Police Officer and Standards Training (POST): Basic, Proctor, Intermediate, Advanced, Administrative and Command
• 1996 graduate of the Montana Law Enforcement Academy Basic, elected class representative.
• Completed Basic SWAT Training in 1989

• Earned Advanced Open Water SCUBA Diving Certificate

• Certified as Emergency Medical Technician in 1983 and advanced to Paramedic in 1994
   
• Licensed Commercial/Instrument/Single/Multi-Engine and Instructor Pilot, as well as Airframe and Powerplant Certificate from UM-Helena    

  Sheriff Dutton has all of the qualifications, great character and leadership abilities it takes to lead the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office. Leo and his team make this community a safe place to raise a family. ~Kevin Danz

     Awards

• Fight Crime: Invest In Kids Champion for Chidren and Youth Award 2022
• Department of Military Affairs, State of Montana, Distinguished Patriot Medal 2020
• Special Olympics Unsung Hero Award 2019 
• Magnus Leader ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ Award recipient from National Command and Staff College 2018
• Helena IR, Best of Helena, Person of the Year- Best Law Enforcement Officer
• Montana Conference on Suicide Prevention Impact Award 2015
• American Legion-Lewis and Clark, Post 2, Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award 2014
• Received Montana American Legion, Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award June 2014
• Montana Mutual Aid Award of Recognition 2013
• 2003 Exchange Club Officer of the Year Award
• 2000 Crime Stoppers Officer of the Year Award
    

  

  Sheriff Leo Dutton uses advanced, professional training and solid management and leadership skills to make Lewis and Clark County a safer place to live. And he is a good neighbor... when he's home. He's usually working. ~Don Harriott and Carol McKerrow

Personal

• Married to wife, Luci, and has three sons and three grandchildren
• Resident of Lewis and Clark County for more than 40 years
• Kiwanis International Member
• Sons of the American Legion member
• Supporter of Special Olympics, Lifehouses, NAMI Montana, Helena Food Share and the Friendship Center
• Enjoys camping, riding in the back country, fishing, hunting, shooting, hiking, flying and any time he can spend with his family