Big Horn County Sheriff Ken Blackburn named Western States Sheriff of the Year

Big Horn County Sheriff Ken Blackburn was named Sheriff of the Year by the Western States Sheriffs’ Association during the organization’s annual conference on March 4 in Reno, Nevada.

The Western States Sheriffs’ Association is comprised of sheriffs and their command staff from 19 western states that include Washington, Wyoming, Oregon, Utah, Idaho, California, Arizona, Nevada, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Iowa.

Blackburn received the award during the association’s annual business meeting, where sheriffs and law enforcement leaders from across the western United States gathered for training, collaboration and recognition of outstanding service.

Blackburn has served the citizens of Big Horn County as sheriff for nearly two decades, earning recognition from colleagues and community members for his leadership, commitment to public safety and dedication to his community.

The following are excerpts from his nomination materials: 

“As Sheriff Blackburn prepares for his retirement on March 17, 2026, there is no more fitting tribute to his 39 years of public service than this prestigious recognition.

“Ken’s impact is not confined to the boundaries of Big Horn County; he has been a pillar of the Wyoming law enforcement community and a key contributor to regional public safety.

“Beyond his professional titles, Ken Blackburn is a man of unshakeable character and a true ‘rider of the brand.’ As a devoted Christian, husband and father, he has led by example, proving that faith, integrity, service and compassion are the foundations of effective leadership. He has served as a mentor to countless deputies and community members, instilling in them the values of honor and duty. He is not merely a supervisor or a boss; he is a role model whose influence will be felt in the department for generations to come.

“Sheriff Blackburn embodies the spirit of the western sheriff: He is rugged, resilient and deeply rooted in the community he protects. His career is a testament to what can be achieved when a leader prioritizes service over self. It is my firm belief that Ken Blackburn represents the gold standard of our profession and is uniquely deserving of being named Western States Sheriff of the Year. Ken Blackburn is truly a sheriff’s sheriff, representing the very best of western law enforcement.” – Tony Giles (BHCSO Deputy Sheriff)

“Over his tenure, Sheriff Blackburn developed regional sheriff meetings, coordinated with state and federal resources for search and rescue advancement and otherwise acted as a mentor to his neighboring sheriffs as new ones came into office. He has been an instrumental leader in the realm of Wyoming Search and Rescue operations and currently chairs the Wyoming Search and Rescue Council. Sheriff Blackburn also serves as vice-chairman of the Local Emergency Planning Committee and is a past president of the Wyoming Sheriff’s Association. Over the years, he has served on the local mental health board, irrigation board, weed and pest board, CARES board and various leadership roles in his church. 

“On a state level, he has been successful in Wyoming with many legislative initiatives to increase training funding for peace officers and secure ongoing funding for Search and Rescue operations. In 2025, he championed a missing persons mapping system and a new law that ensures all Wyoming agencies investigate missing persons reports. 

“Sheriff Blackburn currently acts as the Wyoming representative to the Western States Sheriff’s Association and has been a strong voice for Wyoming sheriffs, including helping spearhead the effort to ensure all Wyoming sheriffs maintain membership in WSSA. Most recently, he led the charge and successfully convinced all other Wyoming sheriffs to sign on to support the CLEAR Act to reign in the extrajudicial power the USFS bestowed upon themselves. It is hard to find another sheriff that respects and upholds the office of sheriff or who honors the uniform and badge as well as Sheriff Blackburn.

“On a personal note, Sheriff Blackburn possesses the large stature and deep voice of the quintessential western sheriff, but leads from a calm and confident demeanor that only comes from a lifetime spent working in a lonesome and unforgiving climate, while accomplishing what is impossible to most people. He does so not for personal gain or recognition, but because he truly believes in service to others. In almost four decades as a peace officer and sheriff, he epitomizes what it means to ride for the brand. Ken Blackburn is first and foremost a man of God, a husband and a father. Thankfully he still has plenty to give to the people of his community, state and nation.” – Allen Thompson (Executive Director, WASCOP)

During his acceptance remarks, Blackburn said, “I’ll always remember the friends that I’ve walked a mile with and the family that’s been there for me. I’m grateful to my wife. I’m grateful to my Father in Heaven. I’m grateful for the blessings that I have to be an American. I’m grateful to this organization (WSSA). I’m especially grateful to my brothers and sisters in Wyoming. The Cowboy State is well represented by patriots and good lawmen and good lawwomen. Thank you for this honor, I know there are many who deserve it. Thanks for holding the line, continue to do so. Remember God is in charge of everything. I always tell my guys: ‘your God first, your family second and the county third.’ Keep that in perspective and stay strong.”

The Western States Sheriffs’ Association presents the Sheriff of the Year award annually to recognize a sheriff who has made outstanding contributions to law enforcement, demonstrates exceptional service to their community and has contributed to the betterment of the Western States Sheriffs’ Association, according to their press release.

Blackburn attended the conference with his wife, Janeen, and was surprised when his daughters, Leslie and Nina, traveled to Reno to be present for the recognition. Blackburn’s selection highlights his years of dedication to the people of Big Horn County and the strong partnerships he has built with fellow law enforcement agencies across the region.

A retirement celebration will be held on March 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lovell Fire Hall. Friends, family and community members are invited.