Oregon Board Suspends Umatilla County Sheriff
The state public safety board voted to suspend the law enforcement certification of Sheriff Terry Rowan for three years.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Board has voted to suspend the law enforcement certification of Umatilla County Sheriff Terry Rowan for three years. The decision follows Rowan's May 2025 arrest for driving under the influence in Gilliam County.
Why it matters
The disciplinary action stems from board findings of dishonesty and misconduct regarding the sheriff's conduct during his 2025 arrest. This decision enforces state professional standards for law enforcement officers serving in Oregon.
The board issued the three-year suspension following a unanimous 16-0 vote in Salem. This disciplinary process followed a formal recommendation submitted by the DPSST Police Policy Committee on August 20, 2026.
The players
Terry Rowan
Terry Rowan is the Umatilla County Sheriff whose law enforcement certification was suspended by state authorities.
Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Board
This board is the state authority responsible for overseeing the certification and professional conduct of law enforcement officers in Oregon.
The details
The board approved the disciplinary measure as part of its full consent agenda during a meeting in Salem. The action serves as a formal sanction for the sheriff's conduct during his 2025 traffic stop and subsequent arrest.
Timeline
May 2025: Terry Rowan was arrested for driving drunk in Gilliam County.
August 20, 2026: The DPSST Police Policy Committee recommended a three-year suspension.
October 22, 2026: The board voted to suspend the certification.
Legal Context
The board action adheres to the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training professional certification statutes. This decision reflects an increased state focus on enforcing professional integrity and behavioral standards for elected law enforcement officials.
The suspension of the sheriff's certification directly impacts local governance and law enforcement operations within Umatilla County. Residents should monitor official updates regarding county leadership and any interim oversight measures following this state-level disciplinary action.
The takeaway
This case highlights the reach of state oversight boards in regulating the professional credentials of local elected officials. It underscores the mandatory nature of maintaining conduct standards for those holding law enforcement certifications in Oregon.
Further reading
For more information on state oversight of officers, visit the Law Enforcement section.
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Should law enforcement officers face mandatory certification suspension for off-duty criminal conduct in your area?
