Jackson County Sheriff's Office to Assist Harney County

On Monday, January 25, 2016, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office sent a team of deputies to Harney County to assist their Sheriff’s Office as the situation continues at the Malheur Wildlife Refuge. The team consists of a Captain, a Sergeant and two deputies. Sheriff Falls has been monitoring the activities in Harney County and staying apprised of the situation through the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association (OSSA). Sheriff Falls is member of the OSSA and they have taken a lead in assisting Harney County Sheriff Ward in this time of need. Many sheriffs, deputies and other police agencies have sent people to assist and Sheriff Falls supports the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association and Sheriff Ward. Shortly after this incident began, Sheriff Ward of Harney County sent out a formal request for mutual aid per ORS 402.215. After careful consideration Sheriff Falls sent a contingent of deputies to assist with the Command Post, supervision and safety of Harney County residents.

With documented incidents of harassment occurring by the militia group, our role is to have a presence to support and keep the citizens of Harney County and Sheriff Ward safe as they go about their daily lives to maintain public safety during this critical time. We are not being asked to take a lot, (if any) of enforcement action short of an immediate threat to someone’s life. Our deputies will not be getting involved in any federal enforcement. The federal government is taking care of the incident at the Wildlife Refuge. We will not be part of this incident. We will be around the area of Burns assisting the citizens.