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Sheriff is new Ronan softball coach

| June 7, 2007 12:00 AM

By Ethan Smith

Leader Staff

He's used to making snap decisions as Sheriff of Lake County, but he'll be doing it on the softball field next spring, after the Ronan School Board voted to approve Lucky Larson as the girls varsity softball coach at a meeting last week.

To avoid receiving double pay - he's the Sheriff 24 hours a day, seven days a week - Larson is donating his salary back to the district. And he will be available to come back from away games at a moment's notice, should he be needed, but Larson said being a softball coach shouldn't interfere with protecting the citizens of Lake County.

"That's why I have an assistant coach, and that's why I have an undersheriff and captain," Larson said of the possibility of an emergency. "That's why I have people like that in place."

As part of the hiring process, Larson advised the school district that he could be called away in an emergency, and got approval from the county commissioners to apply for the job, as well.

"The district is fully aware of his commitment to the county, and we're aware of his obligation to the residents here in Lake County," Ronan superintendent Andy Holmlund said.

Under Larson's game plan, county dispatchers will have his contact information - as they always do - for all away games, and back-up numbers in case cell phone service is spotty.

"They'll know where I'm at all times. If we are playing in Anaconda, and I'm without cell phone service, then they'll notify the Anaconda police to come get me," Larson said. "I will take a parent's car back [in an emergency], and I'll be taking the bus down with the team for all games. This will not involve the use of a county vehicle."

Larson said he has confidence in his staff at the Sheriff's office to handle most emergency situations in his absence. However, there are scenarios when his presence is needed.

"I have complete faith in the team of people I have working with me," he said.

Larson is no stranger to coaching softball. He's been a coach off and on for nine years, coaching 10U, 14U and 16U ASA teams, and numerous rec league teams along the way.

"I'm really looking forward to it. I've coached most of these girls [on last year's varsity squad] somewhere along the way. I just love it," he said.

Larson replaced Doug Fisher, who resigned after three seasons as head coach. Because Larson donated his salary back to the district, the school board could use it to hire a second assistant coach, but Holmlund noted that the board will determine how best to use the money later in the 2007-2008 school year.