Deschutes County commissioners appoint Capt. Ty Rupert as interim sheriff

The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners on July 29 appointed Captain Ty Rupert as interim sheriff, approving board order 2025-031 and naming him to serve an 18-month term that will span the run-up to the 2026 election.

Commissioners said the primary aims of the appointment are to provide stability and continuity for the sheriff’s office, maintain fiscal discipline during an active budget period and preserve conditions for a fair election next year. Commissioner Chang abstained from the final vote; the chair and other commissioners voted to approve the appointment.

Several commissioners praised the depth of experience among the applicants and said the interim sheriff must restore trust within the sheriff’s office. The board’s discussion emphasized three priorities for an interim leader: someone sheriff’s office employees can trust, stewardship of recent budget improvements, and assurance the office will not be used to advantage or punish candidates in the coming election cycle.

Commissioner Chang said she would abstain and added, “I wouldn’t vote against Captain Rupert. I very much believe he would be a good leader. I just, it’s a complicated decision, and I’m not all the way there yet.”

After the motion and second, the board recorded the vote with Commissioner Chang abstaining and the chair voting yes. The board announced a public oath of office scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Thursday, July 31, in Courtroom C at the courthouse; the new sheriff’s term formally begins on August 1.

The board did not take other formal actions related to the sheriff’s office at this meeting. Commissioners urged cooperation across county departments and expressed appreciation for the sheriff’s office staff and jail personnel.

Looking ahead, the board noted that the interim appointment is intended to bridge operations until voters choose a sheriff in the 2026 election.