Independent candidate ready for challengers for sheriff's job

By Dan MacArthur
North Forty News

Although a Republican for most of his voting life until recently, Dell Bean said he chose to run as an independent candidate because of his growing disdain for both major political parties.

Because he is not affiliated with a political party, Bean's name will not appear on a primary election ballot.

A staunch supporter of Second Amendment gun rights, Bean pledged to apply his law enforcement and business experience to the job.

"In Larimer County I don't believe that our problems are insurmountable," Bean said. "We just need to prioritize them and all work towards solutions."

Bean began his law enforcement career in 1968 with Fort Collins Police Services where he worked as a dispatcher, patrol officer and detective.

In 1979, Bean joined the Larimer County Sheriff's Department as an investigator in the Estes Park area. He was promoted to the rank of captain, at times overseeing investigations, operations and detention. Bean also served as acting undersheriff during his eight-year tenure there.

After leaving the department in 1987, Bean worked intermittently through 1992 as a temporary investigator for the Colorado Division of Wildlife and an armed seasonal ranger for the Department of Parks and Outdoor Recreation.

Bean now operates a big-game hunting business and fishing club on leased ranches in North Park and Texas. He also still serves as a security consultant.

Bean, 61, has been a Larimer County resident for nearly 50 years.