It is with great sadness WCSO shares the passing of K9 Stark.

It is with deep sadness that the Washington County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) shares the passing of K9 Stark, a beloved member of our law enforcement community. Stark's journey has been one of resilience and dedication as he continued to serve despite health challenges.

Since joining the WCSO family in 2012 as Corporal Micah Akin's partner, K9 Stark demonstrated exceptional commitment to his role. Known for his remarkable speed and agility, anyone trying to keep up with Cpl. Akin and Stark on a track could attest to the level of physical endurance required.

Throughout his ten-year career, Stark served as a patrol dog, with eight of those years spent as a dual-certified narcotic detection dog.

Stark's skills and instincts were unrivaled. Suspects who attempted to evade detection often found themselves no match for Stark's ability to locate them and uncover illegal substances. His dedication and expertise made him invaluable to our law enforcement efforts.

In addition to his exceptional performance in the line of duty, Stark showcased remarkable resilience and patience, often bringing light-hearted moments by reporting for work in costume.

Stark's impact extended beyond his professional responsibilities; he became a beloved member of Cpl. Akin's family. 

Stark faced numerous health challenges during his time with us but continued to serve with unwavering determination.

K9 Stark's legacy will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to public safety, exceptional law enforcement skills, and enduring presence within the Sheriff's Office and Cpl. Akin's family.

Our hearts go out to everyone who was touched by Stark's unwavering loyalty, and he will be greatly missed.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time for our community to come together and raise awareness about the importance of preventing child abuse. 

Every child deserves a safe childhood. Spreading awareness and prevention efforts are vital to enhancing public safety for children and families.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) commits to protecting children all year long, advocating for them, and remaining proactive against child abuse.

WCSO has dedicated and experienced detectives working in the Violent Crimes Unit, who focus on investigating various violent crimes, including child abuse investigations. Detectives work closely with patrol deputies and local and state agencies to provide children and families the help they need.

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233) or Washington County's non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111. Call 9-1-1 if you believe someone is in danger.  

For more information and resources, visit Prevent Child Abuse Oregon

Learn more about our WCSO child abuse investigators 

With a combined 41 years of service, we appreciate Reserve Deputies Ziggy Lopuszynski and Rod Cottis’ many years of dedication serving the community of Washington County.

As part of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Program, both have received training and opportunities that have allowed them to be part of something bigger, all while keeping our community safe. Working as a manager of a hotel and as an estimator for an autobody shop respectively, Deputies Lopuszynski and Cottis both love the opportunity to interact with people and help make a difference in Washington County.  

Stemming from a long-time interest in law enforcement, both knew they wanted to get involved in one way or another. By joining the Reserve Program, Lopuszynski says he was able to receive training that enhanced his life both physically and mentally. Both share how their experience within the Reserve Program gave them a new appreciation for law enforcement. Highlighting the smiles he receives when he gives a child a junior deputy badge, Cottis notes that being a people person and listening to others’ life experiences helps him deal with both the good and the bad.  

The role each of these reserve deputies play, really makes a positive impact within our community. Thank you, Reserve Deputies Lopuszynski and Cottis, for your many years of service and commitment to Washington County. It is truly appreciated!  

Learn more about the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Program.

Deadline to apply for the next interagency academy is May 1, 2024. 

Join Washington County Sheriff's Office Today! 

Are you ready to contribute to your community and advance your career while making a meaningful impact? The Washington County Sheriff's Office is looking for dedicated individuals like you to join our team and help shape a safer, stronger community.

Here’s why you should consider joining us:

Excellent Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees, spouses/domestic partners, and children.

Professional Look:

• Uniforms and essential equipment provided, along with monthly and annual allowances to support your needs.

Options to Save:

• Access to Oregon PERS/OPSRP and Deferred Compensation plans, helping you prepare for the future.

Merit Increases:

• Achieve salary step increases based on satisfactory performance and completion of 26 qualified pay periods, recognizing your dedication and contributions.

Take the opportunity to be part of a team that values excellence, offers support, and is committed to the well-being of its employees and the community.

If you are looking for a fulfilling and rewarding career, the Washington County Sheriff's Office is the place to be.

Join us today!

In February, our community faced a concerning incident involving an 18-year-old driver.

Initially cited by one of our deputies for going an alarming 102mph in a 55mph zone, the same driver caught their attention once again just 11 minutes later. This time, they were cited for driving 86mph in a 55mph zone after attempting to evade the first stop. A subsequent investigation revealed the driver's impairment from marijuana usage, leading to their arrest on suspicion of DUII.

Speeding and aggressive driving behaviors do not only affect the driver – they also affect other motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon had 41 fatal crashes in the month of February. Speeding accounts for 29% of all traffic fatalities and killed 12,330 people in 2021. It is only with your efforts to be a safe driver that we can reduce this number.

Whether you are running late, or traffic is worse than expected, remember that those extra few minutes are never worth risking your life or the life of others. Do your part and commit to safe driving habits.

Thank you for obeying traffic laws and keeping our roadways safe!

To find out more about the dangers of speeding, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

During the month of April, we join a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.

Let's take a moment to acknowledge the crucial importance of keeping our eyes on the road and our focus on driving safely.

Using your cell phone while driving means you're diverting your attention away from the road. Even a brief moment of distraction can have devastating consequences.

Here are some vital reminders to ensure you stay safe and focused behind the wheel:

• If you're expecting a text message or need to send one, please pull over and park your vehicle in a safe location before addressing it.
• Enlist the help of a passenger to be your "designated texter". Allow them to handle calls or messages on your behalf, using your phone.
• Refrain from engaging in social media scrolling or messaging while driving. It can wait.

Remember, distracted driving can have fatal consequences. Your life is infinitely more important than any text or notification.

Let's prioritize safety and put our phones down, focusing on the task at hand - driving responsibly. Thank you for keeping our roadways safe!

Window falls happen quickly and unexpectedly, and as our weather warms up, we want to remind everyone about the hidden danger windows pose in our homes.

During this time of year, we often begin to receive calls related to window falls. There are many steps you can take to help prevent window falls, while keeping in mind that windows still need to be accessible as an alternate exit point in case of emergency. Here are some tips to keep your little ones safe:

• Keep windows closed and locked when not in use or when young children are present. If needed for ventilation, try to open a window that is out of reach of a child.
• Install window stops or guards– screens are meant to keep bugs out, not children in. Make sure the window stops at a maximum of 4 inches when opened, even with screens installed.
• Avoid placing furniture or anything children can climb on near a window. This reduces the risk of children being tempted to explore and potentially fall.
• Teach children to stay at least 2 feet away from windows and enforce the rule.
• Use only cordless window coverings or make the cord inaccessible. Cords can pose a strangulation risk to children.

Let the sunshine and nice weather in, but always prioritize safety.

Join us for this year’s

Washington County K9 Trials!

Hosted by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Sheriff's Office Foundation, this fun event offers an exciting opportunity for families to learn more about the incredible K9 units dedicated to protecting our communities. 

Mark your calendars:

Saturday, May 18, 2024

10 AM to 1 PM

Hillsboro Stadium - 4450 NE Century Blvd, Hillsboro, OR 97124

Event Timeline:

• K9 Trials competition: 11 AM – 1 PM
• Safety Fair: 10 AM – 12 PM
• Vendor Fair: 10 AM – 1 PM
• K9 meet and greet immediately following

More information: https://bit.ly/K9Trials

Family and friends of all ages are encouraged to join us for this impressive celebration of our dedicated K9 units. We can't wait to see you there!

For general inquiries about the K9 Trials, email WCSO Public Affairs or call 503-846-2763.

If you're interested in sponsoring or becoming a vendor, email Christine Turner or call 503-880-8294

NAMOA RETURNS TO HILLSBORO FOR 2024

We are thrilled to announce the North American Motor Officers Association (NAMOA) 2024 Conference will be hosted at the Hillsboro Stadium this year from May 14-16th.

WCSO is proud to be a part of hosting this prestigious event and will have our motor deputies participating. We invite all interested to come and be a part of this exciting experience as spectators.

Event schedule:

• May 14th, 10 AM - 5 PM
• May 15th, 12 PM - 5 PM
• May 16th, 8 AM - 4 PM

Save the date and join us for the NAMOA 2024 Conference at Hillsboro Stadium.

Washington County values a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our diverse community.

Currently, there are multiple ways to build your career at WCSO. Meet with our Recruitment Team to learn more about your perfect opportunity.

Visit Washington County Jobs for more information and to apply today.