The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) has announced the appointment of Capt. Ty Rupert as the interim Deschutes County Sheriff. The decision follows the retirement announcement of Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, whose final day in office is Thursday, July 31.
“The Board of County Commissioners is honored to appoint Capt. Ty Rupert as interim Deschutes County Sheriff. He has served the people of Deschutes County with dedication and integrity for 20 years,” said Commissioner Chair Tony DeBone. “We are grateful for each and every public safety professional in Deschutes County for the work they do to keep our community safe.”
Under state law, the BOCC must appoint an interim Sheriff to serve until voters elect a new sheriff during the 2026 election cycle. Commissioners Tony DeBone and Patti Adair voted to select Rupert from a competitive pool of five candidates, and Commissioner Phil Chang abstained during the BOCC meeting on Tuesday, July 29.
“The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is at a critical crossroads, and I’m committed to leading with integrity, transparency, and a sense of purpose,” said Rupert. “I will focus on rebuilding trust and creating a stable work environment. That trust will be earned through transparency, accountability, consistent service, and a focus on fiscal responsibility.”
Rupert, a United States Marine Corps veteran, has served in the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) 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. 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.
All three Commissioners expressed their confidence in Rupert’s ability to lead the Sheriff’s Office during this transition period and until the position is filled through the electoral process.
Rupert is scheduled take the oath of office at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 31 and assume the responsibilities as interim Sheriff on Aug. 1. The public swearing-in ceremony will be administered by the Honorable Wells Ashby, Presiding Judge for the Deschutes County Circuit Court, in Courtroom C of the Deschutes County Circuit Courthouse, located at 1100 NW Bond St. in Bend.
Members of the community are invited to attend, but attendees will be required to pass through a security checkpoint to enter the courthouse.
The swearing-in ceremony will also be available to view via live stream. Follow this link and scroll down to “Judge Ashby’s Calendar” to view the ceremony online.
