Sherman County

James Burgett was sworn in as the 17th Sheriff of Sherman County on January 2nd, 2025.

After graduating high school, James served in the United States Army from 1999 to 2003. Upon returning to Oregon, he became a reserve officer for the John Day Police Department and also worked part-time at the Grant County Jail. In October 2003, he was sworn in by Sheriff Glenn Palmer as a patrol deputy with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

At the time, GCSO consisted of the Sheriff, Undersheriff, and three patrol deputies responsible for covering approximately 4,500 square miles. During his time there, James gained extensive experience in search and rescue, criminal investigations, the regional tactical team, and the Sheriff’s Posse. He later served as a Field Training Officer (FTO), firearms instructor, and coordinator of the reserve deputy program. Outside of his professional duties, he was an ODFW hunter education instructor and an NRA firearms safety instructor.

In 2013, James joined the Sherman County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Brad Lohrey. He continued his service as a patrol deputy, FTO, firearms instructor, and regional tactical team member. He also became a seasonal marine deputy and a certified drone operator. In 2018, he was promoted to Undersheriff, and in 2020, he was appointed team commander of the regional tactical team, NORTAC.

In 2024, Sheriff Lohrey announced his retirement, concluding a distinguished 31-year law enforcement career, including 24 years as Sherman County Sheriff. James ran unopposed in the election and was elected that November.

As Sheriff, James Burgett is committed to fostering a professional culture among his deputies—one that emphasizes proper equipment, high-quality training, physical fitness, healthy living, and making family a priority.

“These deputies put their lives on the line every day. They take care of us—it’s my duty to take care of them.”