Five applicants for Deschutes County interim sheriff discuss agency’s future at public forum

(Update: adding fourth applicant for position)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The union representing Deschutes County sheriff's deputies has released a list of five recommended applicants for the interim sheriff role to succeed retiring Sheriff Kent van der Kamp and they were invited to speak at a public debate Monday night.

The five listed by the Deschutes County Sheriff Employees' Association are: Deschutes County Undersheriff Aaron Wells; DCSO Detective and Special Services Commander Ty Rupert; DCSO Detective Lt. James McLaughlin; former DCSO Captain Deron McMaster; and COCC Director of Campus Safety and Emergency Management, Cory Darling.

As of Monday afternoon, a county representative said three people had filed statements of interest with the county: McLaughlin, Rupert and Wells.

A fourth applicant, who was not on the union's list, is Gabe Burchfiel, a digital forensic detective with the sheriff's office.

The list of applicants and the letters of interest submitted by each can be viewed at the county's website for the interim sheriff selection process.

The deadline for filing statements of interest and other information is 5 p.m. on Friday, July 11, the county said recently in announcing the application process.

The public was invited to the informal debate at the Bend Elks Lodge. It was also livestreamed on YouTube by Connect Central Oregon, and can be viewed here.

While the union will make its own recommendation, county commissioners will in the end select who will serve as interim sheriff until next year's election.

Van der Kamp, under sharp criticism for false statements and other issues, announced recently he will retire at the end of July.