Lester, 64, served 12 years as OU police chief, more than 20 years in the Tulsa Police Department and as an Army military policeman.

When he left the Tulsa Police Department to become OU police chief, he supervised more than 235 police officers and civilians. At OU, he was in charge of a $2 million public safety budget. He also has worked in private business.

The sheriff's department faces a multitude of important issues, not the least of which is an overcrowded detention center being routinely watched by the state health department.

"I look forward to working with the county commissioners and other county officers for the next four years," he said, "and I'm excited about working with the citizens of Cleveland County on the upcoming jail sales tax and the Dec. 9 vote for the new jail."

Assistant District Attorney Dave Batton said he thinks Lester "will bring stability to the sheriff's department" and was "looking forward to his working with other county officials as a team and helping us with the jail."

Tom Blakey 366-3540 tblakey@normantranscript.com