Hart to join National Sheriff’s Association

Culpeper County Sheriff H. Lee Hart will not be the next police chief in Astoria, Ore.

But he has found new employment, nonetheless.

On Monday, Hart said he has accepted a part-time position with the Alexandria-based National Sheriff's Association. After his term ends Dec. 31, he will work as a consultant in the organization's community awareness division.

As part of his job, Hart will give on-site training to law enforcement personnel across the nation.

Part of the training will address how localities should deal with the immediate effects of natural and man-made disasters.

"What I like about it is, it's part-time," said Hart, who is in the process of relocating to Hickory, N.C. "I need some time off."

Two weeks ago, Hart flew to Astoria as one of five finalists for the city's police chief vacancy.

According to reports in the Daily Astorian, the city manager's top choice - John J. Kieran, chief of the Highwood (Ill.) Police Department - withdrew his application when questions arose about the details of his resume.

With no clear No. 2, the city chose to readvertise the position.
Hart, who has family in Oregon, was not saddened by the turn of events.

"It was a good experience," he said, "but I don't think I could adapt to that area very well. It rained practically every day I was there."

At the National Sheriff's Association, Hart will report to Mike Brown, who has hosted seminars in Culpeper.

Rob Humphreys can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 128 or

Online: Read more about the National Sheriff's Association at sheriffs.org