Larry Blanton was awarded Sheriff of the Year by his peers at the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association annual awards ceremony held recently at The Riverhouse in Bend, Oregon. This distinguished award is given to recognize exemplary service to the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association and the contributions a sheriff has made to improve the sheriff’s office at local and state levels, and for their involvement in the community.
Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association President, Marion County Sheriff Jason Myers, recognized Sheriff Blanton for his leadership and continual involvement in Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association business and his actions in supporting the role of Sheriff around the state including his personal interest in the development and training of elected sheriffs at the Sheriffs’ Association Command College and newly elected sheriffs at the New Sheriffs’ Institute.
Sheriff Myers stated that Sheriff Blanton is always willing to share his personnel and resources with both the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association and sheriffs around the state.
Sheriff Myers said on a personal note, Sheriff Blanton is one of the first persons to call and check in if he is aware other sheriffs are dealing with a difficult situation. He is known to lean in on issues and will always do the right thing for the right reasons. He is passionate about the Office of Sheriff, he is a leader and most importantly, many can call him a true friend.
Sheriff Blanton has over thirty years in law enforcement service and currently serves as the 8th sheriff of Deschutes County. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service organization providing patrol, criminal investigations, corrections, civil and search and rescue. Special operations include a Marine Patrol, K-9 units, and Forest Patrol.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was founded in 1916. The agency has 174 sworn personnel and 47 non-sworn employees who provide services to over 157,000 residents in the unincorporated areas of Deschutes County.
