Deschutes 911 Director Steve Reinke retiring

Over the next month, there will be leadership changes at the Deschutes County 9-1-1 Service District. The county announced late Friday that district Director Steve Reinke has announced his retirement, as the agency works to fix serious problems with the county’s radio system.

Reinke, 62, has served as the district’s director since September 2014.

“This is something my wife and I have been contemplating for some time,” Reinke said. “It was a difficult decision to make, but we want to be closer to our daughter, who lives in Washington, and I’m planning to pursue other personal and professional opportunities.”

Deschutes County 9-1-1 Deputy Director Sara Crosswhite will serve as the agency’s interim director. She started her career as a Deschutes 9-1-1 dispatcher and, over the past 20 years, has risen through the ranks to her current post.

“Sara has the support of our local public safety leaders and the support of Deschutes County’s commissioners,” said County Administrator Tom Anderson. “She knows the agency inside and out and is the right person to have at the helm as we manage this transition.”

During Reinke’s tenure as director, Deschutes 9-1-1 worked with its user agencies to develop and implement a strategic plan for the service district. That strategic plan resulted in many positive enhancements for the district, including securing permanent, stable funding for 9-1-1.

Reinke has also been working to address current issues with the district’s public safety radio system in order to put it on a path toward optimal performance.

“Steve has been an asset to Deschutes County 9-1-1,” Anderson said. “He’s worked collaboratively with our 9-1-1 user agencies and increased agency morale. We thank him for his service and wish him the best.”

The Deschutes County 9-1-1 Service District became a consolidated public safety dispatching agency in 1988, taking all calls for police, fire, and medical service assistance in Deschutes County. The district dispatches for 15 police and fire/emergency medical services (EMS) agencies and works closely with the U.S. Forest Service, AirLink, Oregon State Police, and other state and federal entities.