POCATELLO - Bannock County Sheriff Lorin Nielsen announced Monday that he has selected Capt. Jim Dalley as acting chief deputy.

Dalley, 49, succeeds Tom Canfield, who retired earlier this month after 28 years with the sheriff's office.

Nielsen praised Dalley, calling him a friend and ally with a similar perspectives in law enforcement, emphasizing compassion, knowledge and community service.

"I feel confident he will not only step into but enhance the position," Nielsen said.

Dalley has been employed with the sheriff's office for 22 of his 25 years in law enforcement.

As acting chief deputy, Dalley will oversee the day-to-day operations of the jail, courthouse marshals, detectives and personnel. He will attend to the sheriff's duties when Nielsen is out of the office.

"I've worked in pretty much every division," Dalley said. "I've come to believe we've got some of the best people in law enforcement."

Dalley's designation as acting chief deputy was necessitated by budgeting, Nielsen said. Former Chief Deputy Canfield's accrued benefits will continue to be paid out until November. Upon completion of payments, Dalley will formally assume the position and the acting designation will be dropped, assuming Nielsen wins the November general election.