SALIDA, COLO – Andy Rohrich is serving as the new Chaffee County Sheriff effective September 12, 2024. The Chaffee County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted unanimously to appoint Rohrich to serve as Sheriff for the remainder of the 2024-2026 Sheriff’s term during a BOCC Special Meeting on September 12th. The BOCC had previously named Rohrich as Interim Sheriff on September 10, 2024, following the retirement of John Spezze. He was sworn into the office by Chaffee County Clerk and Recorder, Lori Mitchell, after his acceptance of the appointment to the Sheriff position.
Rohrich has been with Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) for the past 22 years of the total 26 years he has worked within law enforcement. He has served under four different Sheriffs and spanned positions of Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Commander before being promoted to the Undersheriff role in May 2019. As Undersheriff, he oversaw daily operations of multiple departments, including patrol, investigations, records management, victims’ assistance, court security, Search and Rescue teams, detentions, and communications. Prior to working with the Sheriff’s Office, Rohrich served with the Salida Police Department.
Sheriff Rohrich cites his deep investment in the Chaffee County community as a cornerstone of his commitment to service. He is a graduate of Salida High School and Colorado Mountain College, as well as the Southern Colorado Law Enforcement Training Academy and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Rocky Mountain Command College. Rohrich has volunteered on the Boards of The Alliance and Chaffee County Crime Stoppers, and serves as liaison with the Chaffee County Department of Human Services’ Family and Youth Initiatives’ Communities That Care coalition. He has also volunteered within the adult treatment court to support individuals struggling with substance abuse issues. He and his wife, Salida Fire Department’s Assistant Fire Chief Kathy Rohrich, raise their two children here as well.
Shared Sheriff Rohrich, “I am elated for this opportunity to continue my service to the people of Chaffee County. As your Sheriff, I pledge to continue to run a fair, ethical, courageous, professional, and effective office that supports the whole community.”
Sheriff Rohrich named Alex Walker to serve as Chaffee County Undersheriff, also effective September 12. Walker has worked for the CCSO since June 2021 as Investigations Commander.
County Commissioners Board Chair P.T. Wood offered, “Andy comes into the position with our full support. The experience, knowledge, and strong relationships he brings to the job make him a uniquely qualified leader for this role and we are fortunate to have him serving as our new Sheriff.”
