Be The Change

Every day, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies are making a change in the community. Some of us knew from a young age that serving our community was our calling. Some of us were inspired by law enforcement and the calling came later. No matter how we got here, we know where we want to be.

We want to be the Change Makers of Washington County.

We’ve seen how far kindness can go, and that a positive interaction can make a lasting impression. Each of these interactions inspires change, and we see that change in the community members we serve. We value every “thank you,” and know that the opportunity to positively impact other’s lives is rewarding and unforgettable.

We lead with respect and an understanding of our responsibility to make a change. When you join Washington County Sheriff’s Office, you go beyond serving the community. You can be a Change Maker.

Be the Change. Join WCSO.

Change Makers

Deputy Chris Lee

Hometown: Beaverton, OR
Joined WCSO: 2012

Before joining WCSO, were you ever inspired by other Change Makers in the law enforcement community?
As a young child, the memories that are most seared in my mind are the images of law enforcement, firefighters, and EMTs from all around the nation banding together to search the rubble of Ground Zero in New York City after 9/11/2001. The sacrifices these first responders made for complete strangers was something that is unfathomable. It was then that I learned how much of a positive impact first responders have on a community and I realized that being a first responder is more than a career; it is a calling.

What are some key moments during your WCSO career that you realized you were a Change Maker?
In a time where there are some in society who judge and label all law enforcement in a negative light, I am reminded that I am part of a team that has an impact in the community when citizens take time out of their day to express gratitude. I have been verbally thanked, handed thank you cards, and have been a recipient of care packages to the sheriff’s office. It is then that I remember that our work doesn’t go unnoticed and what we do does have a positive impact and inspire positivity.

In your own words, what does it mean to “serve the community”?
To me, serving the community means doing my best at whatever call I am on, whether that be a simple parking complaint or the most complex person crime investigation. In addition, my hope is that I can be an encouragement to people by doing even the simplest thing as sharing a smile with them or providing a listening ear.

If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring deputies, what would it be?
Build a track record of integrity and work ethic, two things that are extremely important in this career. We can teach skills such as how to conduct an investigation, the technical skills of how to be a sheriff deputy, and policies and procedures. However, integrity and work ethic are intangibles that can’t be taught and are built over time.

Read More From Deputy Lee

“If I positively affect one person each day or each week,
then I’m a Change Maker.”

-Deputy Amanda Geislinger

Sheriff Pat Garrett
Hometown: Hillsboro, OR
Joined WCSO: 1987

“As a team-oriented person, I saw the exciting potential to be part of a team with an overarching mission in common to enhance community safety where I could contribute in a variety of ways.”

Meet Sheriff Garrett

Deputy Katie Kloss
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Joined WCSO: 2019

“I wanted to become a part of something bigger than myself, I have always felt the need to serve and help others. I also was inspired by a few deputies I personally met and knew that WCSO was for me.”

Meet Deputy Kloss

Corporal Elaine Benade
Hometown: Kathu, South Africa
Joined WCSO: 2016

“After being ‘car jacked’ in South Africa, we immigrated to the US. I vowed to do my part so that other people do not have to experience the same trauma as what I did. Feeling safe and secure in your home and home environment is something that is taken for granted. I give thanks daily for being so fortunate to experience this freedom. I wanted to give something back to my community.”

Meet Corporal Benade

Deputy Amanda Geislinger
Hometown: Colton, OR
Joined WCSO: 2013

“I always had positive experiences with Law Enforcement when I was younger. I wanted a job where I could help people and make a difference. I wanted a job that was going to be challenging and different everyday.”

Meet Deputy Geislinger

Ready to join WCSO? Start your application here.

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