Our Marion County Sheriff
As your sheriff, I stand ready to lead our community toward a safer future. By coming together, we can tackle even the toughest challenges that confront us. Let's forge a path where public safety is not just a promise, but a reality achieved through unity, determination, and collaboration.
MEET NICK
Putting Community Safety First.
Nick Hunter was appointed as the 41st Sheriff of Marion County on June 30, 2023.
Sheriff Hunter began his law enforcement career in November of 2001, working first in Marion County and then for the Independence Police Department. In 2008, Sheriff Hunter returned to the agency he considers his family, the Marion County Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff Hunter worked as a field training officer and instructor, earning his certification as a Drug Recognition Expert and served as a member of Marion County's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team while overseeing the agency's use of force program.
Sheriff Hunter promoted to patrol sergeant in 2012 and to lieutenant in 2015. In 2016, he was appointed to the role of Commander of Marion County SWAT after serving as a team leader since 2012. His experience includes serving as the incident commander for multiple critical incidents, to including the massive fire evacuation of the Santiam Canyon in 2020.
Sheriff Hunter holds an Executive Certification from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards & Training and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Willamette University. He has a passion for education and teaching which he views as a critical component to enhancing partnerships within the community and to also further the development of Sheriff's Office employees. Sheriff Hunter has participated as a national instructor in the field of human performance and de-escalation, while also providing expert testimony through the state courts.
Sheriff Hunter grew up in Clackamas County before moving to Marion County in 1995 to attend Willamette University. He decided to make Marion County his home and currently resides in the City of Sublimity with his wife and two children.
ENDORSED BY THE MARION COUNTY LEADERS WE TRUST
State Senator Fred Girod
State Senator Kim Thatcher
State Senator Deb Patterson
Former State Representative Raquel Moore-Green
State Representative Ed Diehl
State Representative Tracy Cramer
State Representative Rick Lewis
Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell
Marion County Commissioner Colm Willis
Marion County Commissioner Kevin Cameron
Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson
City of Detroit Mayor, Jim Trett
Clackamas County Sheriff Angela Brandenburg
Washington County Sheriff Caprice Massey
Marion County Sheriff (Retired), Joe Kast
Marion County Undersheriff (Retired), Jeff Wood
Deschutes County Sheriff, L. Shane Nelson
Former Woodburn Police Chief, Jim Ferraris
Former Salem Police Department Assistant Chief, Skip Miller
Dick Withnell
Keizer Chamber of Commerce
Keizer Arts Association – Former Keizer Mayor, Lore Christopher
Executive Director for Keizer Chamber of Commerce, Corrie Falardeau
Keizer City Councilor Soraida Cross
Keizer City Councilor Kyle Juran
Sr Vice President, Keybank Commercial Banking, Ernesto Toskovic
Union Hispana
Oregon Hispanic Business Association
Marion County Farm Bureau
Salem Police Employees Union
NICK’S PRIORITIES
Transparency & Communication
I stand firmly for honesty and clear communication. The Marion County Sheriff's Office is committed to building a robust partnership with our community, anchored in integrity, trust, and teamwork.
Our dedicated law enforcement personnel are integral parts of our neighborhoods. This emphasizes the critical importance of working together and keeping lines of communication open, to enhance the quality of life right where we live.
Visibility & Approachability
Safety belongs to everyone, and its success hinges on active involvement from our community. As Sheriff, I pledge to meet people where they are and collaborate closely with our community, crafting solutions that perfectly fit the unique needs of Marion County.
Community Collaboration
Learning & Attentive Engagement
In my role as Sheriff, I'm committed to continuous training for our officers, enabling them to remain authentic, relevant, and responsive. Our ability to evolve and adjust according to the evolving needs of our residents is paramount.
Let's shape a safer, more connected Marion County together.
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