PORTLAND, Ore. -- Multnomah County Sheriff Bob Skipper failed a course aimed at re-certifying him as police officer in the State of Oregon.

KGW-TV

Multnomah Co. Sheriff Bob Skipper

Skipper is 70. He retired 13 years ago as county sheriff but returned last year after Bernie Giusto retired and to provide leadership for a department many regarded as in disarray.

However, the state licensing agency felt Skipper needed to complete four weeks' basic training because of his lengthy absence from law enforcement.

The training was scheduled at the same time Skipper would have been grappling with deep budget cuts -- and lawmakers came to the sheriff's rescue, effectively excusing him from basic training if he passed his recertification test.

 More: Sheriff excused from basic training

Lawmakers tailored a bill to Skipper's situation, allowing sheriffs with 25 years of police experience to test out of training.

Skipper scored 66 percent on three written tests but needed a 75 to pass.

The sheriff released a statement saying he learned a lot and "found the time useful."

“There are some areas I need to brush up on as my classroom and testing skills are a bit rusty,” Skipper wrote in a memo to all Multnomah County Sheriff's Office employees. “I will be retaking written tests in order to complete the Police Career Officer Development Course.”

Skipper offered thanks to those who had shown him and the sheriff's office support through the ordeal.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.