Photos by Lyndsie Ferrell Lieutenant Coty Arthur and Road Deputy Daniel Ballard were sworn in by Rio Grande County Sheriff Don McDonald Tuesday, Aug. 31.

RIO GRANDE COUNTY- The Rio Grande Sheriff’s department has been busy recently and is welcoming several new members to their crew this week. According to Rio Grande Sheriff Don McDonald, the team is expanding which means more coverage for the county and specialized supervision in the county jail.

Several weeks ago, South Fork Police Chief Coty Arthur turned in his resignation from the South Fork Police Force. Arthur’s last day was Aug. 31 and he was sent on his way with a final sign off radio announcement, “Final sign off for Chief Coty Arthur. After 20 years of law enforcement, including the last five years in South Fork, Chief Arthur has announced his retirement. Chief Arthur has been a SWAT commander, continued SWAT for 18 years, narcotics for his entire 20 years as well as worked for several task forces including DEA and regional task force. He has also been in multi-jurisdictional SWAT and Task Forces. Chief Arthur will be taking an administrative position with the Rio Grande Sheriff’s Department. We wish you well in your future retirement and future endeavors. Thank you for your service to the citizens of South Fork.”

Arthur will now call Rio Grande County Jail his home as the new Jail Lieutenant and will be using his expertise to help with ongoing investigations and other department needs.

The department also welcomed new Deputy Daniel Ballard who comes to the county with a fresh perspective and will be serving as a road deputy. This adds to the already established road deputy department and will be a huge benefit for the county as it allows more coverage throughout a 24-hour period.

Last but by not least, the department was able to welcome their first K9 dog Wednesday, Aug. 26, and introduce him to the county. “After many years, the Rio Grande Sheriff’s Department can welcome a new K9. Our new deputy is named Jake. Thank you to the K9 organization out of Monte Vista that made this all possible. Jake’s partner is investigator Heath Hart.”