President's Message Larry Blanton, OSSA President & Deschutes County Sheriff It is with great pride that I serve as the 83rd elected President of the Oregon Stat e Sheriffs' Association (OSSA). Many traditions in the 36 sheriff's offices in Oregon run deep. The first sheriff to serve as President of OSSA was Tom Hurlburt of Multnomah County. Sheriff Hurlburt served from 1916 to 1931. Since OSSA's inception, there has been 82 sheriffs serve as President. The challenge of policing has changed dramatically over time. The one thing that hasn't changed is public support and expectations from those that elected us as their sheriff. When I first started in law enforcement over 30 years ago, we were taught the law and how in most cases it was to be applied. I realized this was true in some cases but I could not apply that thinking in all cases. We are bound by the law as it written in the Oregon Revised Statutes and the Oregon Administrative Rule. Some laws are clearly defined and easily interrupted while others leave room for discretion within general legal guidelines. Because the Office of Sheriff exists in each county, how each sheriff and their staff applies the law and serves the public varies greatly from county to county. What may be a controversial topic in Deschutes County may not be a priority in Grant or Multnomah counties. It is with this understanding that I will assist each sheriff with their needs as President. This support may mean a simple social session to discuss issues and concerns or getting a group of sheriffs involved with legislative efforts in Salem. As we begin the New Year, many challenges are on our mind. Several counties have significant financial issues due to the loss of timber payments and/or the decrease in assessed property values. Each of these factors affects our budgets and the ability to respond to public needs. This is not the first time your respective sheriff's office has faced these challenges. It will be through collaboration that we can begin to find long-term solutions to issues that confront your sheriff's office. I am proud to serve OSSA and look forward to assisting each sheriff in providing the very best public service in all our communities.