KTVZ – News Team
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Trinity Lutheran School in Bend has announced it is closed today, Friday, December 19th, due to no power in the building.
The school said it will send more information to parents via email.
Spencer Sacks
(Adding video and quotes from ODOT PIO Kacey Davey and State Rep. Emerson Levy)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — When legislators met for a special session earlier this year, they thought it would be the end of ODOT funding discussions. On Thursday, the governor’s office told KTVZ News it is pausing the plan the legislators passed earlier this year.
This comes after a massive campaign led by Senator Bruce Starr to gather 75,000 signatures to put the measure on the ballot, and leave it up to the people. The campaign submitted 200,000 signatures to be verified.
“The governor should work, across the aisle with myself and my colleagues to, rebalance ODOT budget using existing resources, ensuring that our maintenance is done,” Senator Starr told KTVZ News. “We got to keep the roads open during the winter time. We can do that with existing resources. We don’t need to raise taxes to do that.”
Sentiment has been mixed, as legislators grapple with the political fallout of the pausing of ODOT funding. Many are left wondering what this means.
Kacey Davey, ODOT’s Public information Officer told KTVZ News. “The governor has directed us to continue hiring for only critical positions. Right now that’s winter maintenance positions. You can see across the state as we go through storms like we’re in now, these positions are absolutely crucial to keeping our roads and our transportation systems open and safe and moving.”
As some are starting holiday vacations early, many people are hitting the roads and people will feel the effects.
As ODOT adds a new director, this pause adds another burden on top.
Rep. Emerson Levy told KTVZ News, “I think that she is the first step in creating a culture of trust and rebuilding morale within the agency and reconnecting with communities, to build that trust. Until we’ve done that part, it’s going to be really hard to go to the voters and ask them for more.”
For more than four weeks legislators met in a special session to pass a funding package the governor claimed would prevent large-scale layoffs of ODOT employees, fund roads, and keep maintenance stations open. The cost: an increase in the gas tax from 40 to 46 cents a gallon, and an increase in registration from $43 to 85 for gas cars.
Title fees increase from $77 dollars to $216. EV vehicles were not spared, as registration fees increased from $115 to $145.
One of the maintenance stations on the chopping block is in Sisters just before the Santiam Pass. The ODOT workers there make sure the roads stay open, and first responders are safe in the event of an accident, and as the winter weather piles up, those workers keep the pass open.
Not only is ODOT going to see issues, the DMV will also have its share of problems. A source there told KTVZ News, more DMV sites are going to move to appointments only, due to staffing and money issues. The DMV wants to give customers certainty.
What this means in the long term is yet to be seen but law makers will begin their short session in just over 3 weeks. The number one issue on everyones mind is finding a solution to ODOT’s current problems.
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — When the Oregon Legislature reconvenes next session, one of lawmakers’ top priorities will be how to fund the state’s transportation budget.
On Thursday, the governor’s office confirmed to KTVZ News that Oregon’s new gas tax and fee increases will be put on hold after a statewide petition gathered enough signatures to suspend the law. The measures will remain paused until voters weigh in during the November election, provided the Secretary of State’s office verifies all submitted signatures.
“Oregonians have exercised their ability to challenge actions taken by the legislature, and the Governor respects the outcome of that process,” said Roxy Mayer, press secretary for Governor Tina Kotek.
Mayer told KTVZ News the governor’s office is deeply concerned about how the Oregon Department of Transportation will be funded moving forward, especially as infrastructure challenges continue to grow across the state.
“Just last week, there was a rain-caused landslide north of the City of Siletz blocking traffic on Highway 229. ODOT crews are actively responding to the situation. This is why we need an adequately funded transportation agency to keep Oregonians safe,” said Mayer.
The announcement follows three Central Oregon Republican lawmakers’ call for ODOT emergency funding on Wednesday, blaming crumbling rural roads. They predict voters will approve a petition repealing the new tax hikes and pledge to collaborate with ODOT on alternative funding.
Funding approved under the emergency bill signed by Governor Kotek is now suspended. According to the governor’s office, the delay could impact transportation projects statewide, and potential layoffs may begin.
“Republicans must now work with Democrats to find a different solution. The Governor is committed to working with lawmakers of both parties, ODOT leadership, stakeholders, and local leaders to find a path forward. The Governor’s guiding principle is to avoid, as much as possible, immediate service cuts that will impact Oregonians,” said Mayer.
This is a developing story.
Triton Notary
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ)– If you’re looking for something festive to do between Christmas and New Year’s, there’s a unique way to celebrate in Central Oregon, a Winter Solstice Masquerade Ball in Redmond.
The High Desert Music Hall will host the event on Saturday, December 27th, offering a night of music, magic, and mystery. Organizers say the ball celebrates the lesser-known, “forgotten side” of the Yule season, full of mischief, tradition, and old-world charm.
Raechel Gilland, organizer of the event told KTVZ News “Please come dance dressed to your best. If you do not have a mask, we have some masks available for purchase. If you love Christmas, if you love partying, if you love tradition or Renaissance fairs or performance arts of any kind, we’re going to have fun,”
The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with several performances, including burlesque and magic acts. After dinner and entertainment, guests can take to the open dance floor for the rest of the night.
The masquerade is for adults, with tickets priced around $50. A special sale is underway, offering a package that includes two tickets and a pair of masks for the ball.
Tickets and event details are available online through Adventure Times Entertainments and the official Winter Solstice Masquerade Ball social media pages
Barney Lerten
PRINEVILLE, Ore. KTVZ) — The Bureau of Land Management’s Prineville District is seeking public input on a revised environmental assessment for an invasive plant management project in Central Oregon.
“This is a critical opportunity for the public to help shape how we manage invasive plants across the Prineville District,” said Amanda S. Roberts, Prineville District manager. “We’re looking for feedback that reflects community values while also helping us meet land-use needs.”
Invasive plant species threaten the health of Central Oregon’s landscapes, impacting native vegetation and wildlife habitat, as well as quality and recreation. The BLM is proposing updates to its existing management plan to better address these challenges using a broader set of tools and technologies.
“More than 75 invasive plant species grow in the Prineville District,” said Ian Grinter, project lead. “This updated plan will help us respond more effectively to the growing threat of invasive species and protect the ecological integrity of public lands.”
The proposed updates include:
Adding 10 new herbicide active ingredients to improve treatment options for a wider variety of invasive plants, including annual and perennial grasses.
Incorporating new technologies such as drones for aerial herbicide application and monitoring.
Expanding treatment areas to include lands where new herbicides would be used alongside existing methods.
The BLM team will analyze potential environmental effects of these updates, including impacts to:
Soil health and water quality
Riparian habitats and aquatic species
Wildlife and migratory birds, including greater sage-grouse
Livestock forage and grazing
Recreation values and fire risk
The BLM encourages public comments to help identify issues, concerns, and opportunities for improvement. Comments can be submitted online through the project’s ePlanning page at: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2041738/510.
The scoping period runs through Jan. 8.
Written comments may also be mailed or hand-delivered to:
BLM Prineville District Office
Attn: Integrated Invasive Plant Management EA3050 NE 3rd StreetPrineville, OR 97754
Please include “Invasive Plant EA” in the subject line or on the envelope. Comments must be received by Jan. 8, 2026.
For questions or more information about the project, contact Ian Grinter at igrinter@blm.gov or call (541) 416- 6714.
-BLM-
The BLM manages roughly 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Barney Lerten
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A brand-new arts and culture festival is coming to the heart of Bend. The inaugural BCD Block Party will take over the Bend Central District on Friday and Saturday, July 10–11, 2026, bringing together local artists, performers, makers, and community members for a two-day celebration of creativity in all its forms.
Designed to highlight the vibrant energy of the Bend Central District, Bend Block Party blends live music, visual art, fashion, theater, comedy, and interactive experiences into a walkable, community-focused festival.
The event kicks off Friday, July 10, with music-only sets hosted across local venues throughout the district, showcasing a range of regional talent and setting the tone for a weekend of creative connection.
On Saturday, July 11, the Bend Central District will transform into an open-street festival, featuring hands-on art activities, chalk art and mural installations, a fashion show, artist booths, games, a dedicated kids zone, and more. The celebration continues into the evening with theater and comedy performances hosted at district venues.
Artists and creatives are encouraged to get involved, artist applications are open now.
Additional details, including schedules, performers, and participating venues, will be announced in the coming months.
For updates, artist applications, and more information, visit bendblockparty.com and follow along on social media.
Event DetailsWhat: Bend Block PartyWhen: July 10–11, 2026Where: Bend Central District, Bend, Oregon
Barney Lerten
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Whether you prefer a moderate hike through a desert landscape or a paved wooded trail inside city limits, Oregon State Parks has a First Day Hike for you on New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1. And four of the 25 outings are in your backyard, here in Central Oregon.
Rangers and volunteers will lead guided First Day Hikes at 25 parks around the state, with distances ranging from a quarter-mile stroll to a 5-mile trek. Hikes are free, but a day-use parking permit is required at some parks. Permits cost $10 per day for Oregon residents or $12 for non-residents; annual permits are also sold online or at park offices.
America’s State Parks sponsors the First Day Hikes program nationwide to encourage everyone to start the year outside and connect with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has participated since 2012.
“Across Oregon, First Day Hikes have grown into a beloved New Year’s tradition for visitors and staff alike. On January 1st, park rangers and volunteers share stories of park history, geology, wildlife, and plants, as families and friends kick off the year together with an engaging outdoor adventure,” said Lisa Sumption, director of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
Visit the Oregon First Day Hikes web page to see the list of parks hosting hikes. Additional hike information such as hike times, meet-up locations and trail terrain are available via the park links on the web page. A few hikes require registration including Deschutes River, Elijah Bristow, Emigrant Springs, La Pine, Lukiamute, Oswald West, Sitka Sedge, and Smith Rock.
The First Day hikes include offerings at four state parks around the High Desert: La Pine, Smith Rock, Tumalo and The Cove Palisades.
Here’s the details on each:
Information about the hike hosted at The Cove Palisades State Park is below:
Join a park ranger for a beautiful 2-mile hike through the Crooked River Wetlands, then continue up the Rim Trail where you will be treated to stunning views of Mt. Jefferson and the Three Sisters. Along the way, we’ll discuss some of The Cove’s fascinating geological history and keep an eye out for any winter wildlife. Refreshments will be served at the overlook.
The hike starts at 10 a.m. Meet at the top of the hill and turn into the Crooked River Campground overflow parking lot. Look for signs.
The hike may not be suitable for people with breathing difficulties, trouble with uneven terrain or with strollers. Restrooms will be located in the parking lot and in the camp only.
Friendly dogs are always welcome on six-foot leashes.
Participants are encouraged to dress in layers and wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots that can handle getting wet. It is important to bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. Some visitors may also find it helpful to bring a walking stick or pole if there is snow. Additionally, sunglasses may be advisable.
For more information, call 541-546-3412.
If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation, please contact Park Ranger Erin Bennet, 541-977-5759. Requests must be submitted at least three days prior to January 1.
Information about the hike hosted at La Pine State Park:
The approximately 1.5-mile round-trip hike offers scenic views of an oxbow lake and a chance to see the largest ponderosa pine in the world. Beautiful winter conditions.
The hike starts at 1 p.m. at the Cougar Woods Day-Use Parking Area. 15800 State Recreation Rd.
The hike is on a dirt trail with 80 feet of elevation gain. Possible ice and snow may limit accessibility on the day of the hike.
Children’s strollers are not recommended because of the possibility of snow or ice. Dogs are welcome on six-foot leashes.
Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. Snowshoes may be needed depending on conditions.
For more information, call 541-536-2428.
If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation, please get in touch with Park Manager Scott Bown, 541-280-4953. Requests must be submitted at least three days before January 1.
Information about the hike hosted at Smith Rock State Park:
The approximately 1-mile round trip hike highlights all the unique wonders of Smith Rock and the surrounding ecosystem. Be prepared to learn all about the geology, animals, and plants that make this park truly special.
The hike starts at 10 a.m. Meet in the day-use lawn next to the Welcome Center. 10260 NE Crooked River Drive, Terrebonne, OR 97760.
The hiking trail is gravel and compacted soil with no elevation gain.
Friendly dogs are always welcome on six-foot leashes. No drones allowed.
Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes appropriate for ice and snow, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.
For more information, call 541-548-7501.
If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation, please contact Park Ranger Alexis Ober, 541-548-7501. Requests must be submitted at least three days prior to January 1.
Information about the hike hosted at Tumalo State Park:
A 2-mile round-trip hike along the Deschutes River Trail features easy to medium terrain, with little to no elevation gain and scenic views, providing many photo opportunities.
The hike begins at 1 p.m. Please meet in the back of the day-use parking lot. 64125 OB Reily Road, Bend, OR 97703.
The trail is narrow, has a dirt surface with occasional protruding rocks, and is not ADA accessible.
Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times. Please carry bags to pick up pet waste. Bicycles are prohibited on this portion of the Deschutes River Trail.
Participants should prepare for cold weather and snow, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. A portable toilet is available.
For more information, call 541-388-6055.
If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation, please contact Park Ranger Brian Vaughan, 541-388-6055. Requests must be submitted at least three days prior to January 1.
For any questions about accessibility or to request reasonable accommodations needed to participate in a hike, please see the contact information on each hike’s webpage.
Remember to plan for winter weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water and carry binoculars for viewing wildlife.
Share photos of First Day Hikes via X and Instagram by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes or tagging “Oregon State Parks” on Facebook.
About America’s State ParksAmerica’s State Parks is an alliance of state park systems in all 50 states. The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) promotes and advocates for the state park systems across America in providing conservation and management of natural and cultural resources, quality outdoor recreation experiences, and connecting children and families to nature and the outdoors. With collectively more than 9,817 park areas covering over 20 million acres of land, and visitation of nearly 900 million people annually, state park systems across the country are an integral part of protecting natural and cultural resources while providing guests amazing access to the outdoors. Learn more about America’s State Parks at stateparks.org.
Barney Lerten
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) As part of the City of Bend Public Works Department’s recent move into the new Public Works Campus, the city’s water lab successfully transferred its Oregon laboratory accreditation from its former location at the city’s Water Reclamation Facility.
City officials said in Thursday’s announcement that “the water lab ensures the city provides safe drinking water to our community. The newly accredited Water Quality Laboratory ensures accurate testing of drinking water and wastewater, protecting public health and the environment.”
Here’s the rest of the city’s announcement:
The new Water Quality Laboratory accreditation is necessary to show the new environment will still provide accurate and reliable testing.
Accreditation from the Oregon Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ORELAP) ensures that laboratories meet rigorous standards for testing under federal and state regulations, including the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act.
The new Water Quality Lab represents a major investment in public health and environmental protection. Nearly twice the size of the previous facility, the lab features advanced safety systems, expanded testing capabilities and capacity for future growth.
These improvements allow the City to deliver faster, more reliable data to support water, wastewater and engineering operations, which are critical for everything from routine compliance monitoring to emergency response.
“I am excited that we have enough capacity, flexibility and resilience built into this lab that we can meet future demands for data while maintaining our existing regulatory obligations to wastewater, drinking water and more,” said Cally Whitman, Laboratory Program Manager. “Water quality is about protecting public health and the environment.”
Key enhancements at the new lab include:
Expanded capacity for more than 20,000 tests of drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, biosolids and river samples annually.
Advanced safety systems, including a biosafety cabinet to protect samples from contamination, and state-of-the-art chemical hoods to protect staff.
Enhanced water deionization system to produce ultra-pure water needed for conducting tests.
Improved turnaround times for critical water and wastewater data.
The Water Quality Lab operates 365 days a year, ensuring rapid response to emergencies like water main breaks and supporting the City’s commitment to public health and environmental stewardship. It is one of only 10 municipal labs of the 48 total accredited labs in Oregon.
For more information, visit bendoregon.gov/water-services.
Barney Lerten
WASHINGTON (KTVZ) — The U.S. House voted mostly along party lines Thursday to approve a bill that would remove Endangered Species Act protections for the gray wolf, a goal of Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ore., who has called the animals “killing machines” that threaten rural ranchers’ livelihoods.
Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Ore., along with four fellow Oregon Democrats voted no as the House approved the Pet and Livestock Protection Act on a 211-204 vote. Five House Democrats voted for the bill, while four Republicans were opposed. It now goes to the Senate.
The bill directs the Interior secretary to reinstate a 2020 delisting rule and would return wolf management to the states, while also blocking future court challenges.
In his recent Problem Solvers report , Harley Coldiron spoke with Bentz and a Southern Oregon rancher as he looked into the nationwide debate. He noted that the Trump administration move to delist the wolf has brought praise from ranchers and Republicans, while sparking outrage from conservation groups.
Here’s Bentz’s full news release Thursday explaining his vote, with supportive comments from others, and a statement from the Western Environmental Law Center critical of the bill and urging the Senate to reject it.
Congressman Bentz Applauds the Advancement to Delist the Gray Wolf
WASHINGTON, D.C.– Following Congressman Bentz (R-OR) House floor speech last week outlining the dangers posed by the unchecked growth of gray wolf populations, the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of delisting the gray wolf. The passage of H.R. 845, The Pet and Livestock Protection Act is an important step toward restoring common sense wildlife management and returning authority to state agencies.
“Today’s vote is a long-overdue acknowledgment that the federal government’s approach to gray wolf management has failed,” said Congressman Bentz. “From my first days in Congress, I have pushed to delist the gray wolf because the consequences of inaction are being felt every day in Oregon’s Second Congressional District. Ranching families are paying the price for policies made in Washington that ignore conditions on the ground. Delisting the gray wolf is a necessary first step toward restoring balance, protecting livestock, driving down the cost of beef prices, and returning wildlife management to the state agencies best equipped to do the job. I strongly urge the Senators of Oregon and the rest of their chamber to pass this legislation.”
Tammy Dennee of the Oregon Cattleman’s Association: “Oregon’s livestock producers have been hard hit economically due to predator activity. It is for this reason, the Oregon Cattleman’s Association supports the passage of HR845, The Pet and Livestock Protection Act, by the house of representatives which is the first step toward the delisting of the wolf. In Oregon, delisting will be a welcome relief to producers in ¾ of the state allowing for long overdue management options under the Oregon Wolf Conservation and Management Plan. The assurances this bill offers will allow for quality wolf management and protection of private property.”
Dr. Elise Flynn, Valley Falls, OR: “Our most basic human and American rights are denied when we can’t legally take action to protect our own livestock from being harassed and killed right in front of our eyes. The current law is a form of entrapment that turns law abiding citizens into felons just for following their innate instinct to protect their home, family and livelihood. Humans and wolves are both apex predators, so protection laws must go both ways to maintain balance.”
The House action follows Bentz’s recent floor remarks, where he highlighted the devastating impacts wolf depredation has had on livestock producers and rural economies, as well as the inability of states to effectively manage wolf populations under rigid federal control.
Listen to my remarks, here.
Western Environmental Law Center
House passes, Senate must reject bill to remove endangered species protections for wolves in Lower 48
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 845, a bill that disregards science and removes Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections for gray wolves across the Lower 48. Wolves remain far from being recovered and are depleted in or absent entirely from the vast majority of their historic range. The bill would restore a 2020 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service delisting rule rejected by the courts due to scientific evidence showing wolves are not yet recovered under the ESA. H.R. 845 would also prohibit any legal challenge to its removal of wolf protections.
If passed by the Senate, this bill would congressionally delist all gray wolves in the lower 48 the same way wolves in the Northern Rockies were congressionally delisted in 2011, handing management authority over to states. The 2011 delisting marked the first ever delisting of a species from the Endangered Species Act by Congress—a decision that is otherwise authorized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through a multi-step process that involves scientific review and public participation. Regulations in Montana, for example, allow hunters and trappers to kill several hundred wolves per year—a 452-wolf quota was approved this year—with bait, traps, snares, night hunting, infrared and thermal imagery scopes, and artificial light.
The most recent data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its state partners show an estimated 4,900 wolves inhabit the western Great Lakes states, but only 230 wolves are in Washington state, 204 in Oregon, 50 in California and a scant 20 in Colorado early on in its reintroduction. Nevada, and Utah have had a few wolf sightings over the past three years, but wolves remain functionally absent from their historical habitat in these states. There are only 2,700 wolves in the entire western United States.
“Wolves are a keystone species whose presence on landscapes regulates animal populations and improves ecosystem health – something the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has acknowledged for at least 44 years,” said Kelly Nokes, Western Environmental Law Center attorney. “Allowing people to kill wolves in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana has already stunted recovery in those states. Applying this same death sentence to wolves throughout the contiguous U.S. would nationalize these negative effects, with potentially catastrophic ripple effects on ecosystems where wolves have yet to fully recover. The Senate must reject legislative wolf delisting as anti-science and purely political.”
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The Western Environmental Law Center uses the power of the law to foster thriving, resilient western U.S. lands, waters, wildlife, and communities in the face of a changing climate.
Barney Lerten
(Update: Video Added)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest said Thursday that it has chosen a preferred alternative for ia nearly seven-mile planned paved path that’s planned to extend from Bend south to the Lava Lands Visitor Center.
Bend-Fort Rock District Ranger Kevin Stock said in a final decision notice that they have decided to implement Alternative 2, allowing for construction of a 10-foot wide paved path with 2-foot shoulders.
The path will begin at Knott Road and parallel Highway 97 on the east side of the highway, connecting to the High Desert Museum; this segment is approximately 1.9 miles.
The path will then cross under Highway 97, using a pedestrian undercrossing, and continue on the west side of the highway connecting to National Forest System Lands, a segment that’s approximately 0.3 miles.
The path will then continue on the west side of Highway 97, connecting to Lava Butte. At Lava Butte, the path alignment will go through the lava flow, “creating a unique experience for trail users” in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Stock said. The path will then cross Lava Butte Road and connect to Lava Lands parking lot.
The segment of paved path on National Forest System roads is 4.5 miles. The forest’s decision is limited to actions on National Forest System Lands.
Project information and associated documents can be found on the Deschutes National Forest website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/projects/57665. The final decision notice can be read in full below
For more information about the specific activities authorized with the decision, contact Alicia Bergschneider, Forest Environmental Coordinator of the Deschutes National Forest, by email at Alicia.Bergschneider@usda.gov or by phone at (541)647-8966.
Barney Lerten
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday that Lt. Nathan Garibay was formally recognized with a Lifetime Achievement award for his outstanding contributions to Emergency Management and Search and Rescue during the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association’s Winter Conference, held last week at The Riverhouse in Bend.
“Lt. Garibay received this honor in front of law enforcement leaders and Emergency Managers from across Oregon —an acknowledgment of his reputation as one of the state’s most respected and forward-thinking professionals in the field,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release.
Here’s the rest of their announcement:
For over a decade, Lt. Garibay has served as a mentor, advisor, and a steady presence in times of crisis. His leadership has shaped emergency response efforts across the region, and his work as the inaugural Chair of the OSSA Emergency Management Command Council laid the groundwork for a successful statewide Incident Management Team (IMT) program.
“Lt. Garibay is the kind of leader every community hopes to have in times of crisis,” said Sheriff Ty Rupert. “He brings not only expertise, but compassion, humility, and a relentless drive to serve. His work has shaped the future of Emergency Management in Oregon, and we are proud to have him on our team.”
Whether responding to wildfires, floods, or large-scale search and rescue missions, Lt. Garibay consistently demonstrates professionalism, empathy, and a deep commitment to public service. His recognition at the OSSA Winter Conference is a testament to the respect he has earned from colleagues statewide.
Lt. Garibay began his law enforcement career in 1996. He has served as a cadet, police officer, sergeant, and lieutenant with the Redmond Police Department, and as a deputy sheriff, sergeant, and now lieutenant with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.
He was supported at the OSSA Winter Conference by Sheriff Ty Rupert, Cpt. Mike Sundberg, Cpt. Bryan Husband, and Cpt. Michael Shults.
All are incredibly proud of the leadership Lt. Garibay brings to the Sheriff’s Office and the example he sets for public service across Oregon.
