Wallowa County

Ryan Moody brings more than three decades of law enforcement experience, leadership, and public service to Wallowa County. Born in Lincoln City in 1972, Ryan moved to Corvallis with his family in 1977, where he attended Corvallis High School and later Linn-Benton Community College.

Ryan began his law enforcement career in 1989 as a Benton County Sheriff’s Cadet through the Explorer Program. After completing both the Cadet and Reserve Academies, he was hired in 1992 as a Marine Cadet for the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. In 1994, during his third season with Marine Patrol, he was hired full-time as a Patrol Deputy.

Throughout his 30-year career with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Ryan steadily advanced through the ranks, serving as Patrol Deputy, Patrol Corporal, and Patrol Sergeant. He also spent three years assigned to the Detective Division and served nearly 15 years as a member of the Linn-Benton Regional SWAT Team.

In addition to his patrol and supervisory responsibilities, Ryan managed Benton County’s vehicle fleet for nearly 25 years, overseeing fleet operations and budgeting. He also supervised the Marine Patrol Division for six years.

Ryan developed a strong connection to Oregon State University through his role as Liaison and Security Coordinator for OSU Athletics. From 2002 to 2021, he traveled with the Oregon State Football Program and accompanied the Oregon State Baseball Team during its 2005 and 2006 College World Series championship seasons. Beyond his official duties, Ryan volunteered countless hours supporting student-athletes at the university’s athletic facilities.

Ryan has also dedicated nearly two decades to training the next generation of law enforcement professionals. He serves as a Vehicle Stop and Emergency Vehicle Operation (EVO) Instructor for Oregon’s Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, teaching officers throughout the state and at the state academy.

After retiring from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office in 2022, Ryan joined the Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office just two weeks later, continuing his lifelong commitment to public safety and community service.

Ryan’s connection to Wallowa County dates back to childhood family vacations at Trouthaven Resort beginning in 1969. Over the years, he developed a deep appreciation for the county and its people. In the early 2000s, he regularly donated surplus vehicle equipment from Benton County to assist the Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office. Later, after forming a friendship with Sheriff Joel Fish, Ryan was invited to continue serving the community after retirement — an opportunity he proudly accepted.

Ryan and his wife have been married for 13 years and together share a blended family of five children and five grandchildren.