Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Oregon

09/01/2026

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office had much to celebrate today as Deputies Tony Ramos and Ryan Monogue were officially promoted to Patrol Sergeants. Sheriff Rupert administered the oath before a large crowd of colleagues, family, and friends.

➡ Sgt. Anthony Ramos brings law enforcement experience from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, where he earned a Purple Heart in 2016. He joined the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office in 2019 and has served as a Patrol Deputy, member of the Peer Support Team, and part of the Ma*****na Team. He also serves on the Deschutes County Cannabis Advisory Panel. Sgt. Ramos holds an Advanced Certificate with DPSST and an associate degree in Administrative Justice.

➡ Sgt. Ryan Monogue began his 28‑year career with the Latah County (Idaho) Sheriff’s Office and later worked for the Ocean Shores Police Department, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, and Bellingham Police Department, retiring there as a Sergeant. He joined DCSO in 2021 as a Patrol Deputy and instructor. Sgt. Monogue holds an Advanced Certificate with DPSST and a bachelor’s degree in social sciences from Washington State University.

Congratulations, Sergeants Ramos and Monogue! Thank you for your continued dedication to serving Deschutes County.

09/01/2026

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Inmate Work Crew helped kick off a weekend clean-up project last Friday at Wind Cave off China Hat Road southeast of Bend.

Wind Cave stretches more than 3,800 feet, making it the longest and most challenging lava tube in the Arnold Lava Tube System. Because of fragile bat populations, persistent trash, and past vandalism, it is closed to the public, and cleanups only occur through permitted restoration efforts.

Deputies led a Work Crew of seven deep into Wind Cave and hauled in 600 pounds of sand, which is used in a special process that removes graffiti without harming the cave's interior. About 30% of the total graffiti had been removed by the end of the day, starting with the most difficult section, more than 3,000 feet from the entrance. One of the deputies’ phones logged 9 miles walked inside the cave.

Volunteers repeatedly commented on the professionalism of both the deputies and the adult jail inmate work crew. The inmates were all smiles and expressed how meaningful the work felt. One shared that it was the coolest thing he had ever done, and that contributing to the cave’s restoration made him feel proud and healthier in his recovery. He said he wants his kids to know him for things like this.

Central Oregon Daily News came out to catch the action. You can view the story here: https://youtu.be/GniShlmrZ5A?si=kvftPrkSKeW7Nwxj

08/31/2026

Our Animal Control Unit captured this video on Friday of a black bear in South Deschutes County near South Century Drive and Vandevert Road. They have responded to several calls this month.

Increased bear activity is completely normal behavior for late summer. Bears are foraging for food to prepare for winter, and this bear had been feeding on an elk carcass. The Sheriff’s Office has some friendly reminders about what to do if you see a black bear:

✅ Never approach or feed bears
✅ Secure garbage, pet food, and anything that smells like a meal
✅ Food-conditioned bears can break into cars, garages, and homes
✅ Feeding bears puts pets, especially small dogs, at risk during unexpected encounters

Black bears are generally shy and non-aggressive, so it’s best to just leave them alone. For more information on living with black bears, check out the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife website: https://myodfw.com/articles/help-keep-bears-wild

08/30/2026

🔥 Evacuation Notices Lifted for the Sno Park Fire West of Bend 🔥

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office reports that forward progress on the Sno Park Fire, located west of Bend on Skyliners Road, has been stopped and is now 100% contained. All evacuation notices for the area have been lifted.

Thanks to the quick and effective actions of firefighters on the ground and in the air, the fire’s growth was limited to approximately 10 acres.

Fire crews will remain on scene to strengthen containment lines and continue mop‑up operations. Skyliners Road at NF 4606 may still experience intermittent access restrictions to support ongoing fire activity.

08/30/2026

Level 1 (Be Ready) Evacuation Notice Issued for Area West of Bend Off Skyliners Road Due to Sno Park Fire

Bend, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notice for the area west of Bend at Mile Post 7 on Skyliners Road due to the Sno Park Fire, currently estimated at approximately 8 acres.

Skyliners Road at Forest Service Road 4606 is closed to westbound traffic due to active fire operations. Please avoid the area and allow fire crews to work safely.

A Level 1 (Be Set) notice means residents should prepare for possible evacuation. Review your emergency plan, gather essential items, and stay alert to changing conditions. Preparedness information is available at www.deschutes.org/emergency. If you need extra time to evacuate or feel you are in immediate danger, take action early.

The Sheriff's Office will continue to monitor the Sno Park Fire and provide updates as conditions evolve.

08/28/2026

August is National Emergency Management Awareness Month, and today we want to recognize the incredible team that keeps Deschutes County informed, prepared, and resilient.

Our Emergency Manager Ben Duda and Emergency Services Coordinators Ashley Volz and Rachelle Brookins are the masterminds behind the maps, alerts, and behind‑the‑scenes coordination that help protect our community during wildfires, severe weather, natural disasters, and critical law enforcement activity.

Every summer, Ben, Ashley, and Rachelle spend countless hours supporting incident command teams on the fire lines and ensuring the Sheriff’s Office delivers timely and accurate information to the public through Deschutes Alerts. The rest of the year, they’re busy planning, updating vital data, and coordinating with public safety partners across the region to keep our county ready for whatever comes our way.

Please join us in thanking Ben, Ashley, and Rachelle for the essential work they do every single day. Their dedication plays an incredibly important role in keeping Deschutes County safe, and we’re fortunate to have them on the Team DCSO!

08/27/2026

A few seconds. One click. A child's life saved.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is joining agencies across Central Oregon for a regional child passenger safety blitz through September 6. Deputies will be checking for unbuckled or improperly restrained kids to help families avoid preventable tragedies.

"Our goal is not to hand out citations. It’s to make sure every family has the information they need to keep their children safe,” explained Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert. “We want families to understand the importance of car seat safety. Education helps save lives before enforcement ever does."

Why it matters:
✅ In 2024, Oregon saw 103 deaths tied to lack of seat belts or improper child restraints.
✅ More than 1,900 children were injured in crashes—12% weren’t buckled.
✅ Car seats and boosters drastically reduce serious injury.

Oregon basics:
✅ Rear-facing until at least age 2
✅ Car seat/booster until age 8 or 4’9”
✅ Adult seat belt only when it fits correctly

Learn more and download a child car seat safety guide on the Sheriff’s Office website: https://sheriff.deschutes.org/who-we-serve/safety/car-seats/

08/26/2026

Round two of recognizing the local businesses that help keep the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office running smoothly. 👏

We truly appreciate our local business partners who provide dependable, high-quality service at fiscally responsible prices. Being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars is one of our top priorities, and the following businesses help us meet that commitment.

Ed Staub & Sons keeps our fuel program running efficiently and ensures our vehicles are ready when we need them. Crabtree's Autobody & Paint provides skilled repair and paint work, helping us extend the life of our fleet and maintain a professional appearance. Lithia Motors supports us with parts and service, so our vehicles operate safely and reliably. Red Robin has been an incredible partner by helping our office raise money for Shop With a Cop by hosting our Tip A Cop event this summer. Their generosity ensures local children in need will have a memorable Christmas this year.

Each of these businesses helps us stay mission-ready while also understanding the importance of affordability for public agencies. To show our appreciation, Sheriff Rupert, Business Officer Jeff Price, Fleet Manager Pete Martin, and Bitsy Mirror from our finance team presented certificates of appreciation, challenge coins, and some treats to each business.

08/25/2026

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is taking time this week to recognize local businesses that play an important role in supporting our day-to-day operations.

Sheriff Rupert, Business Officer Jeff Price, and Fleet Manager Pete Martin visited four businesses that support our fleet and equipment needs. Empire Car Wash and Detail keeps our vehicles clean and looking professional. Central Tire helps ensure all of our vehicles remain safe and ready to respond. Kendall Ford supplies our Search and Rescue trucks and provides parts and service support. Absolute Signs in Redmond creates the decals and markings seen across our entire fleet.

As a former private sector executive, Sheriff Rupert understands the importance of building strong relationships with our vendors. He appreciates our local businesses, which provide our office with reliable, consistent service at fiscally responsible prices. One of our main priorities here at the Sheriff’s Office is to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, and using local businesses helps us uphold that commitment every day.

These businesses provide services that help our office operate smoothly while recognizing the importance of affordability for public agencies. Sheriff Rupert and team proudly presented certificates of appreciation, challenge coins, and some treats as our way of saying thank you for their partnership and dedication to our community.

08/24/2026

Great reminders from our friends at Bend Fire & Rescue!

30 years ago, the Skeleton Fire changed Bend's approach to wildfire preparedness.
In August 1996, a lightning-caused fire burned 17,000 acres southeast of Bend, evacuated approximately 500 homes and destroyed 19 residences.

The fire became one of the most significant wildfire events in our community's history, following the Awbrey Hall Fire which destroyed 22 homes on the west side of Bend in 1990.

The lessons learned from the Skeleton Fire helped shape programs we know today, including Firewise USA®, FireFree and Project Wildfire, and continue to inform wildfire preparedness efforts across Central Oregon.

As we recognize this anniversary, we encourage everyone to take simple steps now to reduce wildfire risk:
- Creating and maintaining defensible space around homes.
- Removing easily ignitable materials within five feet of structures such as pine needles, dead vegetation, patio furniture and firewood.
- Preparing emergency go-kits and family evacuation plans.
- Signing up for emergency alerts at deschutesalerts.org.
- Knowing multiple evacuation routes and being ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

Wildfire remains an ongoing risk in Central Oregon. Preparedness today can help protect lives, homes and neighborhoods tomorrow.

Learn more: www.projectwildfire.org and https://bendoregon.gov/departments/public-safety/fire-rescue/community-resources-programs/own-your-zone/