SHERIFF WARD

John Ward was appointed by the Curry County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday August 26, 2014 as the new Sheriff of Curry County effective October 1, 2014, to replace Sheriff John Bishop. Ward holds a Management Certificate from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training and has worked for the Curry County Sheriff ’s Office for 24 years. Ward has served as a patrol deputy, detective, patrol sergeant and lieutenant since he was hired in November, 1990. He started several neighborhood watches and became very involved with community activities. Sheriff Ward has been a member of SARAC (Search and Rescue Advisory Council) and also a member of the OSSA Enforcement Command Council.

In July 2009, he was promoted to lieutenant and continued to supervise not only Patrol, Marine Patrol, Forest Patrol, Detectives, Reserves and SAR, but took over the supervision of Dispatch. Along with all his administrative duties, Sheriff Ward is still very active with all the divisions and community projects. He has been recognized for two lifesaving awards both from the Oregon State Marine Board and by the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association. He was recognized by OSSA and awarded the SAR Coordinator of the Year for 2013.