Caprice Massey took the oath of office on Tuesday, ascending to the role of Sheriff in Washington County and marking an advancement in local law enforcement. She steps into the position following an appointment by the Washington County Board of Commissioners, which filled the vacancy left by former Sheriff Pat Garrett's retirement. Judge Rebecca Guptill, who administered the swearing-in, cemented the decision that voters made during the 2024 election, according to a Sheriff in Washington County news release.
The new sheriff's origins in Eugene, Oregon, and her tenure in the U.S. Navy have been formative in her nearly two-decade career in public safety. As an Oregon native, Massey plans to forcefully continue the legacy of her predecessors, aiming to keep Washington County as the safest urban area in the state. In a first-hand account, Sheriff Massey offered her thoughts: “I am truly honored to serve the Washington County community as its 33rd Sheriff alongside the hundreds of dedicated professionals of this office. We look forward to continuing our public safety mission,” as per Sheriff in Washington County news release.
Since her beginnings at the Washington County Sheriff's Office in 2004, Sheriff Massey has witnessed the subtle and overt challenges policing an increasingly diverse community presents. Her ascent to this new role is not just an occupational transition but a signal of the change and growth within the department itself. Massey's service in Norfolk, Virginia set the groundwork for her return to her home state, where her journey through the rank and file would culminate in her leadership today.
With public safety and transparency at the forefront of Sheriff Massey's campaign, she expresses an eagerness to energetically forge partnerships within the community. “We look forward to continuing our public safety mission,” Massey told the Sheriff in Washington County news release.
