Sheriff Leo Dutton is originally from Sand Springs Montana. He graduated from Garfield County High School in 1978. Leo and his wife Luci moved to Helena where he attended the University of Montana-College of Technology’s, Airframe and Powerplant program, graduating as a certified Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic in 1985. Leo is a certified flight instructor with a multi-engine rating.  In 1984, Leo started in law enforcement as a reserve deputy for Lewis and Clark County. He worked full time in Emergency Medical Services from June 1983 until April 2008.

As a reserve, he was accepted to the SWAT team in 1987 and completed Basic SWAT in 1989. He assisted the Lewis and Clark County SWAT team to have the first licensed non-transporting medical tactical advanced life support team in Montana. The medical team is known as the Special Events Advanced Life Support (SEALS). In 1993, Leo earned his Advanced Open Water SCUBA diving certification.

Leo switched his full time occupation in 1996 and became a full-time deputy and part-time paramedic. He graduated from MLEA Basic #98 and was elected class representative. While in the patrol division, he was selected to be a field-training officer (FTO) and elected to be one of the assistant team leaders of the tactical unit. Leo was given the Crime Stoppers Officer of the Year award in 2000 and Officer of the Year from the Exchange Club in 2003. He was a patrol sergeant prior to his promotion to undersheriff in 2003 by Sheriff Liedle. He is a member of the Critical Incident Debriefing Team.

In 2007, Leo attended the F.B.I. National Academy, Session 230, located in Quantico, Virginia.  Internationally known for its academic excellence, the national academy offers 10 weeks of advanced management training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies. Leo earned undergraduate credits from the University of Virginia in course studies in labor law issues for law enforcement administrators, legal issues for command officers, executive leadership, effective writing, media relations and fitness in law enforcement.
 
Leo was sworn in as sheriff September 02, 2008. His duties as sheriff require skills of an administrator and leader. These include managing a large budget and handling personnel issues. Leading others in a combined vision to meet a common mission. Leo has had extensive training in the National Incident Management System and attended the F.B.I. Command College. He had project management experience by being one of the key people for the implementation of the Public Safety Communications Radio Project. He also attended and completed the Sheriff's Institute.
 
Leo serves on the Governors appointed Board of Private Security, State Interoperable Governing Board and the State 911 Advisory Council. He is the Chairman of a regional mobile data consortium. Leo is a board member of the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association and a board member of the Helena Alliance Church. Leo and Luci have three children, Luke, Levi, and Logan.