WCSO Gaston

03/19/2025

You never know who you’ll meet on the job!

Deputies and our adults in custody work crew got a surprise visitor while cleaning up a city park in Gaston—a friendly, furry pig named Maple!

This unexpected guest trotted over to say hello and brightened everyone’s day. ✨ Just another unique moment in the field!

11/27/2024

Traffic Alert: Road Closure

Deputies responded to a traffic crash in Gaston near 114 Front Street. SW Highway 47 is closed in both directions between Mill Street and SW Spring Hill Road for down utility lines.

Traffic is being diverted down SW Spring Hill Road to SW Gaston Road.

Please use an alternate route.

11/11/2024

This Veterans Day, we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible contributions of our Veterans, especially those within the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. To all Veterans—whether in our community or on our team—thank you for your dedication, bravery, and sacrifice. You’ve served this country with honor, and we’re grateful for all you continue to do.

For those in our Sheriff’s Office who’ve answered the call, your commitment to service shines in every interaction and every action. Your leadership and strength inspire us every day. On behalf of the entire Washington County Sheriff’s Office, we honor and thank you for all you’ve given to protect and serve, both here at home and beyond.

Thank you to all of the Veteran's in Gaston - we are grateful for you!

10/02/2024

Here are some fall safety tips to consider. We're always here to help! If you need us call 503-629-0111.

With every seasonal change, we want to remind community members of potential challenges that can impact your safety and property.

Consider these safety measures to help protect yourself and loved ones, especially from those seeking to commit crimes of opportunity.

🍂 ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings.
🍂 Wear reflective clothing if walking, running, or biking while outdoors in low-light conditions.
🍂 Lock your vehicle and park in a safe location.
🍂 Secure your home and valuables.
🍂 Protect yourself from mail theft.

This fall, remember to be safe and aware of locations and situations that would make you vulnerable to crime. Report any suspicious activity to your local police department. As a reminder, call 911 for emergencies and 503-629-0111 for non-emergencies.

You can also file a police report online if the crime fits the reporting requirements at https://bit.ly/WCSO_Reporting.

Visit our Fall Safety blog for more information: https://bit.ly/WCSO_FallSafety

08/29/2024

Important reminder with the holiday weekend coming up - drive sober and stay safe!

08/14/2024

𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: Lee Falls Fire reaches 61% Containment
Cherry Grove, Ore. – Firefighters have worked diligently over the last several days to increase containment on the 240-acre Lee Falls Fire outside of Cherry Grove. The fire’s containment is at 61 percent.

The Oregon Department Forestry’s Type 3 incident management team will return command of the fire back to the local district at 7 a.m. on August 15. Mop up operations will continue throughout today in preparation for the transfer of command.

The Department would like to thank the firefighters, structural fire districts, local landowners, contractors, and the Washington County Sherriff’s Office who worked around the clock over the last week to protect the communities of Cherry Grove and Gaston.

Evacuation levels have been lowered to Level 1 (Be Ready) according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Washington County has reopened Hagg Lake for recreational use.

08/13/2024

We look forward to seeing Rip serve in Gaston and in all of our partner agencies.

🐾🚔 Exciting News! 🚔🐾

Join us in welcoming the newest member of the Washington County Sheriff's Office family - K9 Rip! 🐶

Rip, an 11-month-old Dutch Shepherd, has joined our team after coming to us from Law Dog Kennel. Rip's impressive lineage comes from two working dog parents, making him the perfect addition to our K9 unit. He will be joining Cpl. Akin on the team after completing his training in September.

Law Dog Kennel was previously home to some of our beloved WCSO K9s such as Cpl. Akin's longtime partner Stark, as well as Radar, and Tux. 🐕

We can't wait for Rip to continue the legacy and make a paw-sitive impact in our community alongside Cpl. Akin. Stay tuned for updates on Rip's journey as he serves and protects with the Washington County Sheriff's Office! 🐾💙

08/11/2024

Update 4:45 p.m. August 12: Containment at 50%. Washington County Parks has reopened Hagg Lake for recreation.

Update on Lee Falls Fire August 11:

Lee Falls Fire 25% contained, evacuation levels reduced

With yesterday’s progress on the Lee Falls Fire, structural firefighting task forces and law enforcement demobilized from the area yesterday. Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Type 3 Incident Management Team remains on the Lee Falls Fire to continue mop up operations in preparation for returning the fire to the local district.

Yesterday’s work made sufficient progress to increase confidence that the fire will stay within its current perimeter. After consultation with fire officials, that confidence led to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office reducing all Level 3 evacuation levels to Level 2—Be Set. Cherry Grove community members returning to their homes should remain vigilant and maintain readiness for future evacuations, should fire conditions significantly change. Deputies and law enforcement partners demobilized with the reduction of immediate threat to the community.

Yesterday, the last two structural firefighting task forces made available through the Department of State Fire Marshal demobilized and returned to their home units for much needed rest. Structural firefighters’ diligence around homes and structures, and work with wildland firefighters on the fire line kept Cherry Grove homes and structures safe.

“Strong coordination between wildland firefighting resources, structural firefighting agencies, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office has kept the Cherry Grove community safe during this incident,” said Neal Bond, Incident Commander of the Lee Falls Fire. “Multiple emergency response agencies working together led to no loss or damage to homes or other structures.”

Ground crews with air support from one remaining helicopter on the incident will continue working over the next several days to increase containment and return the Lee Falls Fire to the local Forest Grove District of ODF. Hazard removal continues, caution is urged for any residents returning to areas recently removed from Level 3 evacuations.

Mop up, the process of cooling the perimeter of the fire to reduce the chance of spot fires or heat from escaping the perimeter, continues today with crews working to achieve 100 feet of cold burned ground from the fire’s edge, 50 feet or more has already been achieved in several areas of the fire perimeter. As mop up progresses, containment percentage of the fire will increase.
This will be the last joint update issued by Gaston Fire District, Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon Department of Forestry. ODF will continue sending media updates as containment increases.

The Lee Falls Fire was reported Thursday, August 8, around 11 a.m. and is estimated to be approximately 290 acres after more accurate mapping, there was no increase in growth of the fire perimeter. The fire is 100% lined, and 25% contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Washington County Sheriff’s Office
Since the fire's inception, deputies have diligently conducted active patrols in the affected areas to monitor the situation and provide necessary assistance. The safety and well-being of residents and the community remain top priority.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office urges the public to continue preparedness with reduced evacuation levels, and respect the remaining designated perimeters to facilitate the effective operations of the responding teams.

Evacuation Updates
After consultation with fire officials, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office has reduced all Level 3 evacuations to Level 2—Be Set in the Cherry Grove area.
Thank you for your continued patience as crews continue work to make the area safe. It is crucial for the public to maintain awareness of evacuation directives and stay out of the remaining active fire area to ensure the roads remain clear and accessible for fire apparatuses and other essential responders.

The latest evacuation levels can be found on the Sheriff’s page or look up your address and check your evacuation status.

Gaston Rural Fire District
Washington County Sheriff's Office
Oregon State Fire Marshal

08/10/2024

Community Update: Lee Falls Fire

All of Cherry Grove is lowered to a level 2 evacuation notice. SW Lee Falls Road will be restricted access as crews are still working in the area.

PGE is coordinating with the local Fire Command to restore power in some areas.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office is grateful for your patience.

Additional updates will follow.