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Sheriff Joseph A. Wampler

OREGON SHERIFF Magazine News

Hood River Sheriff Joseph Wampler grew up and attended school in Hood River, Oregon. He began his law enforcement career as a corrections officer for the Hood River Sheriff's Office. He then worked through the ranks at the Hood River Police Department, ultimately earning the rank of Captain. When Sheriff Wampler was elected in 1993 (taking office in January 1994), he was the youngest sheriff in office, at the age of 39. He is now in this third term.

His interests include bow hunting, fishing and remote control aircraft. Sheriff Wampler also holds a pilot's license.

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OREGON SHERIFF Magazine News

Winter, 2007 -- Hood River County Sheriff's deputies and detectives volunteered to be tased - subdued by an electronic control device - during training classes this past fall. The taser is a proven tool which helps to cease resistance from a suspect. Once the weapon is deployed, electric pulses cause a person to momentarily lose neuromuscular control. The law enforcement officer is then able to handcuff the suspect without further incident.The sheriff's office expects the taser to save both law enforcement officials and suspects from serious injury. A Hood River County Deputy who was attacked several months ago is still on light-duty and recovering from injuries he sustained during that attack. That scenario might have been prevented had a taser been on scene.

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