Deschutes County Sheriff Shane Nelson appoints Capt. Paul Garrison as undersheriff ‘to decide election-related issues’

Nelson says race between Bailey, who he endorsed, and Vander Kamp 'can be divisive' for DCSO

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Deschutes County Sheriff Shane Nelson said Tuesday that he's appointed Captain Paul Garrison as undersheriff - a position left vacant during his tenure - as a neutral decider of "election-related issues" while Captain William Bailey, who Nelson endorsed, faces Sergeant Kent Vander Kamp on the fall ballot.

Here is the message Nelson posted to the sheriff's office Facebook page Tuesday afternoon:

"The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office has two internal candidates for the Office of Sheriff, Captain William Bailey and Sergeant Kent Vander Kamp. Like many political matters, this dynamic can be divisive for our Office and employees. When Captain Bailey announced his candidacy, I endorsed him.

"Once Sergeant Vander Kamp announced, I delegated all authority to decide election related issues related to the sheriff’s election to Captain Paul Garrison.

"Captain Garrison has remained neutral throughout the process. We also engaged the Deschutes County Legal Department and the Deschutes County Clerk to advise us on election related issues as we moved forward in this election year.

"Considering the current election for Sheriff and the transition to a new Sheriff, I am appointing Captain Paul Garrison to Undersheriff. He will continue to address election related issues in the Office. Additionally, as Undersheriff, he will oversee the transition from our current administration to the next Deschutes County Sheriff.

"Currently, Captain Garrison serves as the Detective and Special Services Commander. Prior to that, he simultaneously served as the Patrol Commander and Detective/Special Services Commander for 18 months and has 29 years of law enforcement experience."