SALEM – In a swift and decisive move that marks a significant shift in state law enforcement leadership, the Oregon State Sheriffs Association (OSSA) has voted to permanently remove Umatilla County Sheriff Terry Rowan from its board of directors.
The vote took place during a virtual meeting held this past Monday, involving 25 members of the association’s board. Under OSSA bylaws, every elected sheriff in Oregon holds a seat on the board, meaning the proceedings represented a comprehensive gathering of the state’s top law enforcement officials. The final tally was unanimous: 25 to 0 in favor of removing Rowan from his position.
OSSA Executive Director Tim Svenson confirmed the outcome on Tuesday, emphasizing that the decision was not taken lightly.
“It wasn’t an easy decision for those involved,” Svenson stated.
According to Svenson, the association followed standard procedural fairness, providing Rowan with 15 days of advance notice regarding the meeting. During the session, Rowan was given the floor to speak. He offered to temporarily recuse himself from his board duties as the situation unfolded; however, the board opted for the more permanent disciplinary action of full removal.
The removal follows a tumultuous period for the Umatilla County Sheriff. Rowan was arrested in May 2025 on charges of driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII). The incident drew immediate scrutiny from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), which oversees the certification and conduct of police officers across the state.
Following an internal investigation into the May arrest, the DPSST Police Policy Board recommended that Rowan’s professional credentials be suspended for a period of three years. While the OSSA has taken the step of stripping Rowan of his seat on their governing board, his status as an active sheriff remains legally distinct from his certification.
The final authority regarding Rowan’s ability to serve as a law enforcement officer lies with the DPSST Board of Directors. Officials have confirmed that the board is scheduled to convene in October to make a definitive ruling on his certification. Until that meeting takes place, Rowan’s professional standing remains in limbo.
The removal from the OSSA board serves as a notable rebuke from his peers. The association, which represents the interests of sheriffs throughout Oregon and provides a unified voice on legislative and policy matters, has effectively distanced itself from the Umatilla County official.
As of Tuesday, the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office has not issued a formal statement regarding the OSSA board’s decision or the upcoming October hearing. With the DPSST board meeting looming, the future of Rowan’s career in law enforcement remains the subject of intense public and professional interest.
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