Sheriff plans to run again
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, June 21st, 2023 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
UMATILLA COUNTY – Umatilla County Sheriff Terry Rowan says he will be on the ballot in 2024. Rowan, who has spent his entire 34-year career in law enforcement, was first with the Hermiston Police Department before serving as undersheriff for the county. He won the office of sheriff in 2012 and took office in 2013.
When Sen. Bill Hansell (R-Athena) announced he would not seek reelection in 2024, we asked Hansell if he was considering retiring. His answer was a resounding no.
“There are still pieces of a plan that I developed early on that I’d like to see come to fruition,” he said. “I think I’m the best guy for the role.”
Rowan has made it clear from the start that his main goal is to achieve 24-hour patrol coverage for Umatilla County, and he is getting closer. He also led the drive to remodel the jail to allow for areas where people with behavioral problems could be segregated from other incarcerated people.
He has also served as president of the Oregon State Sheriffs Association and on a board for the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training. In addition, he is a named plaintiff in the federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Oregon’s new gun control laws.
