Bend, Ore. – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is expanding its School Resource Deputy (SRD) program to better safeguard local schools after the October 15 shooting at Silver Rail Elementary. Sheriff Ty Rupert authorized an additional full‑time SRD position, marking the fourth deputy dedicated to school safety across the county.
Why the expansion matters
Sheriff Rupert explained that schools must remain “safe places for students to learn and grow.” Adding a fourth deputy strengthens the partnership between the sheriff’s office and the Bend‑La Pine school districts, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to protect children, staff, and families throughout Deschutes County.
Immediate steps and temporary coverage
While the new position is being filled, an experienced deputy who previously served as an SRD has been temporarily assigned to maintain coverage. The sheriff’s office posted the full‑time vacancy internally on Thursday, October 22, and expects to select a candidate who will be placed where the team’s needs are greatest.
Community response and ongoing priorities
Families have called for full‑time deputies in every school. Rupert acknowledged those concerns, saying the new hire is “one step forward” in addressing the community’s fears and expectations. He added that protecting the entire county is critical and that schools have become an even higher priority following the tragedy.
“I’ll continue partnering with Bend‑La Pine Schools and our community to build on our SRD program that helps better protect our children,” Rupert said.
Current SRD coverage
Before the addition, the sheriff’s office had three full‑time deputies serving schools in Sisters, La Pine, Terrebonne, Tumalo, Bend’s Buckingham Elementary, Realms Middle School, and Three Rivers School in Sunriver. The new deputy will bring the total to four, and the office plans to explore further expansion as needs evolve.
Looking ahead
The sheriff’s office emphasized that the SRD program is designed to prevent, prepare for, and respond to threats while maintaining a visible law‑enforcement presence in schools. By increasing the number of deputies, the agency aims to enhance both proactive safety measures and rapid response capabilities.
Local officials and community members have praised the move as a concrete step toward restoring confidence in school safety after the Silver Rail shooting. The expansion aligns with broader efforts by state and local leaders to support schools, uphold parental expectations, and protect the well‑being of Central Oregon’s children.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
