Sheriff Kent van der Kamp announces resignation minutes after recall efforts were made public 

(Update: Adding video; Sheriff announces his resignation effective July 31st after recall efforts)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A recall is underway for Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, and it's led in part by one of his own.  

A formal recall effort is now underway in Deschutes County calling for Sheriff van der Kamp to step down.  

Minutes after the press release regarding the recall was issued, the Sheriff announced he plans to resign July 31st, but even inside his own department, some say that timeline isn't acceptable.  

“We want him out. I don't understand why it has to be July 31st as opposed to immediately or at the very least end of June,” said Sergeant Thomas Lilienthal of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, who is also one of the deputies behind the push for a recall.  

Lilienthal said communication from leadership has broken down entirely since District Attorney Steve Gunnels, put van der Kamp on the Brady List as more information came to light.  

Lilienthal also criticized the Sheriff for participating in a virtual funding webinar for his lending company while deputies were in the field evacuating residents during a wildfire in La Pine.  

Lilienthal says the damage to public trust is personal and said “We should not model ourselves on dishonesty.” 

Sheriff van der Kamp can rescind his resignation within 72 hours. Until then, Lilienthal says the recall effort will continue to move forward. 

EARLIER INFORMATION

A group of Deschutes County community members has announced the formation of a recall effort against Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, citing allegations of dishonesty, abuse of authority, and misconduct.

In a Facebook post shared by the group “Recall Kent van der Kamp,” organizers said the recall campaign is moving forward because the sheriff has not responded to widespread calls for his resignation. Those calls have reportedly come from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Employees Association, elected officials, former campaign supporters, and other community members.

The post claims that van der Kamp has offered inconsistent timelines regarding his retirement and has given various reasons for remaining in office. Organizers say they plan to formally file the recall petition with the Deschutes County Clerk on Monday, July 7.

The volunteer-led committee behind the effort has launched a website, www.RecallKentvanderKamp.com, which includes public records, official memos, and media coverage cited as reasons for the campaign.

“Until Kent van der Kamp is officially out of the office of Deschutes County Sheriff, on his own accord or official process, the recall effort will move forward,” the group said in a statement. “Voters elected Kent van der Kamp, voters can remove him from the office of Sheriff through a recall election.”

Organizers say they aim to collect 20,000 signatures within 90 days—well above the minimum required to qualify for the ballot.

The recall effort comes as The Bend Bulletin is reported van der Kamp submitted his resignation, with his last day being July 31, 2025.

In an email obtained by KTVZ News, van der Kamp wrote the following message to county leaders:

I hereby resign from the Office of Sheriff, effective July 31st, 2025. It has been an honor to serve the people of Deschutes County. I look forward to working with the county and office to make a smooth transition. 

KTVZ News will have reaction from county leaders as well as what the next steps are for the sheriff's office tonight on KTVZ News at 6:00 p.m.