Benton County will have a new sheriff in January. Only one name will appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot for the job.
Benton County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Scott Bressler is running unopposed to succeed Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall, whose term expires at the end of this calendar year. Bressler filed for the May 19 primary and, as the lone candidate, advanced directly to the November general election without a primary contest. Ballots go out to voters this week.
Bressler has more than 38 years of law enforcement experience, including his service with the Sheriff’s Office and leadership roles with the Lebanon Police Department.
Bressler answered five questions on his leadership approach, first-year priorities, the county’s plans for a new jail, rural patrol coverage around Philomath and calls involving mental health and addiction.
Q1. What experience would you bring to the job of sheriff, and how would you describe your leadership approach?
Bressler: I bring more than 38 years of law enforcement experience, including service with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and leadership roles with the Lebanon Police Department. My experience spans patrol, investigations, supervision, critical incidents, administration and interagency partnerships. I lead by example with integrity, accountability, fairness and respect. I believe strong leadership means supporting and developing employees, providing the training and resources they need and holding ourselves to the highest professional standards. I am committed to serving every member of our community with dignity and impartiality, building trust through transparency, listening and meaningful community partnerships.
Q2. As the office transitions to new leadership, what would be your top priorities during your first year as sheriff?
Bressler: Our rural communities deserve visible law enforcement and timely responses. As sheriff, my top priorities will be supporting and retaining the dedicated men and women of the Sheriff’s Office by providing the leadership, training, resources and support they need to succeed. I will ensure our deputies have the tools and resources necessary to keep every part of Benton County safe and provide the level of service our communities deserve. A well-supported, well-trained staff is essential to meeting the needs and expectations of our community.
Q3. Benton County has begun saving funds toward a new correctional facility. What role would you play in moving that project forward, and what should a new facility include?
Bressler: A new correctional facility is a top priority. In the meantime, I will continue working to make sure our current jail is safe and secure for staff, adults in custody and the public. I will work alongside the county commissioners to continue building the funds already established and look for additional funding opportunities to move this project forward. A new facility needs to provide a safe, secure and efficient environment, with adequate space, modern security, appropriate medical and mental health services and programs that help people take responsibility and successfully return to the community
Q4. How would you work with the Philomath Police Department, and how would you make sure rural areas around Philomath receive adequate patrol coverage and response times?
Bressler: I will continue working closely with the Philomath Police Department and maintain the strong partnership we have. At the same time, making sure our rural communities have visible law enforcement and timely responses will be a priority. I will look for opportunities to provide additional patrol coverage in the rural areas around Philomath and throughout the county. Our Sheriff’s Office is here to serve all the people of Benton County, and I intend to make sure every community receives the service and support they deserve.
Q5. Deputies increasingly respond to calls involving mental health and addiction. How should the Sheriff’s Office handle those calls, and how would you work with the county’s Crisis Center and other partners?
Bressler: Mental health and addiction calls require compassion, patience and the right resources. Our deputies are trained in crisis intervention, and several have received additional training. I would continue building strong partnerships with the county’s Crisis Center, mental health professionals, treatment providers and other community partners so people in crisis can get the help they need. At the same time, we must protect victims and the public and hold people accountable when criminal behavior occurs. I also support continued coordination among the Sheriff’s Office, other law enforcement and the Crisis Center to ensure the right response when someone is in crisis.
