‘Big day for our community’: Newly chosen Interim Sheriff Ty Rupert highlights his hopes for his new position
Isabella Warren
(Update: Adding video, comments from commissioners, new interim sheriff, KTVZ.COM Poll)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County has a new sheriff. Deschutes County commissioners on Tuesday morning chose – on a split vote – Sheriff’s Office Detective and Special Services Commander Ty Rupert to serve as interim sheriff through next year’s election, after Thursday’s planned retirement of embattled Sheriff Kent van der Kamp.
Later, Rupert told KTVZ News, “It’s a big day for our office. Big day for our community. It’s a big day for me.”
Commission Chairman Tony DeBone and colleagues Patti Adair and Phil Chang all praised the quality and experience of the five applicants to serve in the position. But Chang abstained when it came time for a vote to appoint Rupert to serve as sheriff for up to 18 months, until a new sheriff is elected by voters next year.
“I’m not opposed to putting Captain Rupert into this role,” Chang said, but he noted that in a poll of the Deschutes County Sheriff Employees’ Association members, DCSO Detective Lt. James McLaughlin “ranked a little bit higher” than Rupert.
While acknowledging that the association ranking is “not the only factor we should be considering,” Chang said, “If our priority is to give the sheriff’s office employees a leader they can get behind, I think they have spoken. I’m not quite ready to vote for that motion yet.”
Chang later told KTVZ News, “We are all hopeful that Interim Sheriff Rupert is going to help us turn the page on some of the problems that emerged when Sheriff Van der Kamp became sheriff. “
DeBone praised the decision: “Pride, history in the organization – he’s from Deschutes County proper. He’s worked up through the ranks, and is just so proud to be able to serve the people of Deschutes County.”
Rupert has been with the office since 2005 and currently leads the sheriff’s investigative units.
He says his term will be focused on the team, creating a more positive culture and gaining the trust of the community.
“We’re here to serve them. And I think that’s been lost over the years. It’s important that we get back to the citizens and talk to them,” Rupert said.
The selection ends a months-long saga, after van der Kamp allegedly lied on his resume and on the witness stand about his past education.
District Attorney Steve Gunnels earlier this year placed Van der Kamp on the Brady list, barring him from testifying at trials. Van der Kamp is currently at risk of losing his credentials as an officer in the state permanently, though he is challenging the action.
Rupert told us, “We’ve been through a lot. I don’t want to talk about the past. We can’t change it. But the future – we have the opportunity to change the direction in the future and move forward.”
DeBone said Rupert’s swearing-in ceremony is set for 8:30 a.m. Thursday at Courtroom C, although Adair said she could not attend due to a funeral for an uncle, while Chang said he also would not attend due to a meeting related to his role on the state Transportation Commission.
Commissioners held no public or group interviews with the applicants, deciding to meet with them privately and individually before making their choice.
The other three applicants were Undersheriff Aaron Wells, former DCSO Captain Deron McMaster, and COCC Director of Campus Safety and Emergency Management Cory Darling.
Speaking to the turmoil of recent years, Chang said, “It will be really important for the interim sheriff to assure employees are not punished for throwing their hat in the ring and say they want to run ( for sheriff), and important for the interim sheriff not to use the office to promote their choice for sheriff. I hope all the candidates keep those things in mind.”
Adair supported DeBone’s choice of Rupert, saying, “I think it’s important to have someone steady at this point.”
All spoke highly of all five applicants and said it’s important for all to work together to move the department forward.
“We have great teams, amazing people,” Adair told the sheriff’s office employees in the audience. “Keep doing what you’re doing.”
Chang also praised all the candidates, saying, “I’ve learned how much valuable experience, background and insights they all have on the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and where it can go.” And he said of the pick, “I know Captain Rupert is really good at listening to people.”
Here is Rupert’s letter of interest to the county for the role: