Contact the Marion County Sheriff's Office
&
Sheriff Russ Isham

OREGON SHERIFF Magazine News

Sheriff Isham grew up in Coos Bay. He has been married to his wife, Suzy, for 12 years and they have two daughters and a son. Sheriff Isham has a Bachelor Degree from Western Oregon State College, where he played on the baseball team. He taught 6th grade before becoming a Reserve Deputy and then a full time Deputy with the Marion County Sheriff's Office in 1992. He has served in a variety of areas, including Marine patrol, Detectives, School Resource Officer, and SWAT. He went to Salem Police Department in 1999, where he was quickly promoted to Corporal, Sergeant, and then Lieutenant. While at Salem Police Department, Sheriff Isham focused on Community Policing with the Crime Prevention Unit, in addition to working on the Street Crimes Unit. In 2007, he received the prestigious Public Safety Award from the Salem Chamber of Commerce for his work with the Crime Prevention Unit.

On September 12th, 2007, Russ Isham was appointed to the Sheriff position. He oversees Patrol/ Enforcement, the Jail and Work Center and Parole and Probation in Marion County.

Sheriff Isham enjoys coaching his kids' softball, basketball and soccer teams during his free time.

Back to top

OREGON SHERIFF Magazine News

April, 2009 -- On December 12, 2008, cowardly acts of evil took the lives of two dedicated law enforcement professionals and critically injured another.

Woodburn Captain Tom Tennant and Senior Trooper Bill Hakim were killed, and Woodburn Police Chief Scott Russell was seriously injured when a suspicious device detonated as they were investigating. Because of those evil acts, this day will go down in history as one of the darkest, but will also stand out and send a clear message to all, that we will come together, we will remain strong, we will always remember, and justice will prevail.

Shortly after the initial call for assistance came in, law enforcement personnel from state, local and federal agencies started arriving to lend assistance. I have never been more proud to wear my badge, as I was during this very tough week in December. I saw investigators and line staff operating on little to no sleep. I saw people refusing to slow down, take a break, or even for a moment think of taking care of themselves. Everyone who contributed to this investigation did an amazing job. This case came together under incredible circumstances.

I would like to personally thank each Sheriff, Chief, or Administrator who dedicated resources to this incident. I also want to commend all of those who contributed to the investigation. Each of you, and all of our respective communities, can be proud of the dedication and professional services that came together on this fateful day. We will be strong, we will always remember, and justice will prevail.

Back to top

Marion County

Sheriff Russ Isham