On November 5th, 2024, Kent van der Kamp was elected as the 10th Sheriff of Deschutes County, Oregon. Sheriff van der Kamp oversees the 3055 sq mile county and manages more than 260 employees. The office operates with a $67m budget that includes patrol, corrections, court security, search and rescue, administrative services, special services, SWAT and automotive maintenance. The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office provides patrol services throughout the county and the incorporated cities of Sisters and La Pine. Sheriff van der Kamp's greatest responsibilities is to protect the people who live and visit Deschutes County.
Kent van der Kamp started his career 22 years ago with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office as a Search & Rescue volunteer medic and pilot. He was hired as a Seasonal Special Services Reserve Deputy in 2006 and then as a Patrol Deputy in 2008. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2017 and to Detective Sergeant in 2019.
Kent served as a Criminal, Street Crimes, Major Crimes, and CODE Detective. He has further filled the positions of Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant and CODE Sergeant. Kent also held a diverse number of special assignments. He supervised the DCSO SWAT Medical Team and the Drone program and is a Drug Recognition Expert. Kent served as a Field Training Officer, Background Investigator, and Internal Affairs Investigator.
Kent earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management and a Master of Business Management (MBA) with an emphasis in Public Administration, cum laude. Kent also attended the USC Executive Leadership Institute, the FBI - LEEDA Executive, Command & Supervision Leadership Institutes, the ETHOS Leadership Academy, and the Oregon State Sheriff's Association Command College to supplement his formal education.
Kent holds Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Supervisory law enforcement certificates from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.
Kent has been recognized and awarded as a Cascade Business News's "Top 40 under 40" leadership award, the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award, the White House ONDCP Award for Outstanding Public Safety - CLEAR Alliance - Board Member At-Large, Mothers Against Drunk Driving recognition, the Oregon HIDTA Award for Outstanding Investigation Impact by a CODE Investigation, the Deschutes County DUII Investigator of the Year and a Life Saving Award.
Kent has been married for 27 years to his wife Rachel. They have lived in Bend for over 23 years and have two adult daughters. Kent enjoys his family time, SCUBA diving, traveling, ice hockey and being a private pilot.
