Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association (OSSA) And Curry County Sheriff John Ward - 08/24/26

A few weeks ago, the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association (OSSA) learned that the Curry County Board of Commissioners had completed an investigation into misconduct by Sheriff John Ward, regarding donations from a local non-profit organization (John G. Atkins Foundation).    The investigation concluded that Sheriff Ward had been untruthful and had in fact taken Foundation donations for his own personal use.  

Upon learning of this information, the OSSA Executive Committee met and determined that, under the OSSA Bylaws, the Board of Directors should decide whether to temporarily suspend or permanently revoke Sheriff Ward's position as a Director on the OSSA Board.  Sheriff Ward was notified that this question would be presented to the OSSA Board at a special meeting on August 24, 2026, and that he would have an opportunity to address the Board before a decision was made. Sheriff Ward did not appear to address the Board. 

On August 24, 2026, the Board met and considered the issue.  A motion was made to permanently expel Sheriff Ward from serving as an OSSA Director.  The motion passed unanimously, with 28 Oregon sheriffs voting on the issue. Sheriff Ward was immediately expelled from the OSSA Board of Directors, and will have no further involvement in the operation of OSSA. 

About the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association
The Oregon State Sheriffs' Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1916 to provide training and support to Oregon Sheriffs and their offices.