On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, the Washington County Board of Commissioners voted to appoint Undersheriff Caprice Massey as the new Sheriff of Washington County. Sheriff Pat Garrett plans to retire on November 30 after 35 years of dedicated service. Sheriff Garrett’s term is scheduled to run until December 31, 2024. Undersheriff Massey will lead the Sheriff’s Office through 2024.
Sheriff Garrett has taken steps to ensure a smooth leadership transition within the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. At the Washington County Board of Commissioners’ work session on September 26th, Sheriff Garrett recommended to the Board of Commissioners that Undersheriff Caprice Massey be appointed as his successor for the remainder of the term. Sheriff Garrett originally made this recommendation in the letter sent on September 11th to the Board of Commissioners.
Sheriff Garrett has expressed his confidence in the qualifications and leadership abilities of Undersheriff Massey. With an impressive background and extensive experience in law enforcement, Undersheriff Massey has continuously demonstrated her unwavering dedication to public service and commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
Undersheriff Massey’s roots as a native Oregonian, growing up in Eugene, have significantly shaped her exceptional experience and professional journey. Undersheriff Massey is a Veteran of the United States Navy, where she served from 1990 – 1999 as an Aviation Ordnanceman with an Aviation Warfare Designation (A02AW). During her service, she achieved an incredible milestone by becoming the first female to be certified to run the brig on the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71).
After her distinguished time in the Navy, Undersheriff Massey embarked on her law enforcement career at the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, serving from December 1999 to December 2003. Subsequently, on July 19, 2004, she joined the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in the jail division. Over the next several years, Undersheriff Massey’s career flourished within the office, encompassing various roles and accomplishments to include:
Graduated from DPSST Academy for corrections certification (2-week Career Officer Development Course)May 19, 2007 – promoted to the rank of Corporal in the Washington County Jail.July 4, 2015 – promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the Washington County Jail.May 19, 2018 – promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in the Washington County Jail.September 4, 2018 – graduated from Oregon State Sheriff’s Association Command CollegeJune 1, 2020 – promoted to commander in the Washington County Jail.In October 2021 began -DPSST Police Certification
- Graduated in March 2023. (The course was delayed due to Covid)
June 22, 2021 – transferred to the patrol division as the acting commander of the patrol division.December 8, 2022- graduated from the
- FBI National Police Academy in Quantico, Virginia
- Achieved extensive certification through the DPSST, holding a Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisory, Executive, and Management Corrections Certificate, along with her Basic Police Certificate
In addition to her impressive professional achievements, Undersheriff Massey holds a degree in criminal justice from Western Oregon University. She is a breast cancer survivor and has been recognized as a
Susan G. Komen honoree. Alongside these accomplishments, Sheriff Massey takes great pride in being a devoted mother of three and a loving wife.
When asked about her upcoming transition to the role of Washington County Sheriff, Undersheriff Massey said, “As I assume the role of sheriff, I am deeply humbled and honored to be the first female sheriff in our community. I want to take a moment to acknowledge and express my gratitude to Sheriff Pat Garrett, who has left behind an incredible legacy of service and dedication. I am acutely aware of the big shoes I am stepping into, and I recognize the responsibility that comes with this position. I promise to carry on the tradition of integrity, courage, and compassion that my predecessor exemplified. Together, with the support of our community, we will continue to protect and serve with unwavering commitment, making history and inspiring others along the way.”
Undersheriff Massey will be sworn in as the Sheriff of Washington County on December 1, 2023. Further details about the ceremony will be released when available.
