Today marks the end of the long law enforcement career of Karl Dailey as he retires as Dawes County Sheriff.
Dailey grew up outside New York City on Long Island and came to Northwest Nebraska to attend college. After graduation, he served as a Chadron Police Officer for most of a decade before being elected sheriff in 1986.
Dailey would go on to win re-election 9 times, more often than not without an opponent in either the primary or general election – most recently just last year.
Controversial at times, Dailey once attracted widespread attention when he used the water cannon on a Crawford fire truck to break up fight and near-riot in downtown Crawford during the Old West Trail Rodeo.
He also fatally shot an armed robbery suspect after a police pursuit from South Dakota ended north of Chadron and the man ignored repeated orders to drop a knife while advancing quickly toward Dailey and other officers
Dailey won’t comment about his career, offering only that “People always like you. They either like you when you come or they like you when you leave. I hope more liked me when I was coming than now that I’m going.”
Dailey and his wife Jane, the former Crawford city clerk-treasurer, plan to remain in Chadron, but do more traveling. Paraphrasing General Douglas McArthur, he says “old sheriffs never die, they just fade away.”
The County Commissioners earlier this month followed Dailey’s recommendation and named his chief deputy, Jeff Johns, as Interim Sheriff until they make a permanent appointment to fill the remaining 3-plus years of Dailey’s term.
Johns is a veteran law enforcement officer who was with the Chadron Police Department for several years before joining the Sheriff’s Office.
We will miss you Karl. I first met you when you were a young whippersnapper from New York. I loved the stories you told in English class. Throughout the years you built a dynasty. You took the punches and came back on top. Words can’t really describe how much you have given to Chadron. Best of luck in your retirement, and remember, you only die once, so you and Jane must make every minute count.
I always felt like Karl had our back. He always gave me good answers to my questions an very good advise. HE ALSO HOOKED ME UP WITH THE BEST GUN SMITH i HAVE EVER KNOWN. Mr. David Martin.
Congratulations Karl! Thank you for your service!
Time to get that fishing gear ready to go. Thanks for your long service to the people of Chadron and Dawes County.
You are/were a great Sheriff! You will be truly missed! Enjoy your retirement to the fullest!
Thank-you for your good work-very much hope your long term replacement will be as good and will care for this community as well.
Happy retirement as Dawes County Sheriff, always respectful and understanding. Go fishing and see a lot of national sites.
Congrats and best wishes for your retirement. Thank you for your hard work and dedication!!
I’m kinda sad.
See ya!
Easy to win elections when no one else runs against you, and half of your supporters are in the MAGA cult.
Good luck and enjoy retirement, speaking for me it was a Pleasure to get to know you and I will always have greatest respect for you. Save travels and play nice with others Carlos. Thank you for your service!
Typical run of the mill Democrat. When things go south, don’t come crying to us “Magna Supporters”. Ill let you suffer on the streets you fool.
Thank you for your service! Retirement is great! Go have fun.
We both have fond memories of you and our total respect for you. You’ve been in some tough situations, but always came out on top! Thank you for your service, now go have some fun!!
Chuck and Vicki Turnbull
Very easy to win elections! Legally, he should’ve been fired!
Easy to win elections when no one else runs against you — well, duh. Why do you suppose that that’s the case?
You just couldn’t help but throw in the “MAGA cult” thing, could you?