The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce 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 (OSSA) 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.
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.
