Ty Rupert sworn in as Deschutes County interim sheriff: ‘We’re going in a different direction’
Barney Lerten
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Ty Rupert was sworn in as Deschutes County sheriff Thursday morning in a packed courtroom ceremony, greeted by loud applause by family, friends and colleagues and vowing to go “in a different direction” than retiring predecessor Kent van der Kamp.
“I don’t just consider you employees or friends – you’re part of my family,” Rupert, chosen earlier this week by county commissioners from among five applicants, told those on hand.
“I love and care for each and every one of you,” he said. “We’ve been through a lot. I tell you, starting today, we’re going in a different direction.”
After receiving the oath of office from Presiding Judge Wells Ashby, Rupert – now Deschutes County’s 11th sheriff – began his remarks by telling everyone, “This is very surreal today – I promise I’m going to hold it together. This week has been the most humbling experience I think I’ve ever had in my life.”
The oath of office Rupert took included the traditional vow to uphold the Oregon and U.S. constitutions and also included the start of his term, at 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 1, after van der Kamp, elected less than a year ago, officially retires. A state board has voted to revoke his law enforcement certification for life, but van der Kamp, under pressure to step down for months, is contesting that decision.
Rupert, a United States Marine Corps veteran, has served in the sheriff’s office since 2005. As captain of the Detectives and Special Services Division, he supervises detectives, sergeants, lieutenants and volunteer personnel within various units, including Criminal Investigative Units, Search and Rescue, and Emergency Management.
“It took me 12 years to get hired in law enforcement,” Rupert said, starting with the Washington State Patrol in a crowded field of 1,800 applicants, and joked, “They knew Marines weren’t that smart.”
During his 20 years with DCSO, Rupert has gained extensive experience as a reserve officer, patrol officer and detective. Outside of work, he volunteers with the Sisters Rodeo Association.
While Rupert rose through the ranks in his two decades with the sheriff’s office, he said Thursday he knows he must “prove all over again that I can be trusted and lead our office in a new direction.”
Rupert, who told KTVZ News he plans to run for election to the post next year, said Thursday, “Being in public service is the most humbling thing we can ever do.” He also thanked his wife of some 30 years — “I wouldn’t be here today without her” – his children and family members, among those who posed with the new sheriff for photos after the ceremony.
“All I ever wanted to be was a cop, so today is unbelievable,” Rupert said. “I never could have imagined 20 years ago that I’d be standing here.”