SHERIFFS ‑- LEAVE OF ABSENCE COUNTY OFFICERS ‑- LEAVE OF ABSENCE LEAVE OF ABSENCE ‑- COUNTY OFFICERS The commissioners of a county may not grant a leave of absence to the sheriff for the purpose of enabling the sheriff to accept employment with the United States government in a different locality, and appoint an acting sheriff in his stead.  In the event the sheriff shall take a leave of absence of his own volition; his salary may not be terminated during such leave.   Possible recourse against the sheriff may be had under RCW 42.12.010.