Sheriff Giusto Announces Intent to Retire by End of 2008

The sheriff says that while it is an honor to be in the position, it has also been exhausting and has taken a personal toll.

Multnomah County Sheriff Bernie Giusto

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Today, during a command staff meeting, Sheriff Bernie Giusto announced his intent to retire by the end of 2008. The following is Sheriff Giusto official statement regarding his intent to retire.

"It is an honor to have been twice elected to be the Sheriff of Multnomah County. It is a privilege to be responsible for the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office.

As I near the end of my 34th year in law enforcement I have decided to retire. However, I am committed to the six month implementation period of the recently signed MOU and working with the Chair and Board to see Wapato opened by October.

Therefore, I expect to retire prior to the end of the calendar year. Do not assume that this early notification means I am done or waver in my commitment.

When balancing the effect of continually declining resources on the Sheriff's Office and our public safety services and the political climate over the last five years, it is clear to me it is time to make the choice to retire.

While it is an honor to be in the position I am, it has also been exhausting and has taken its toll on me personally. I owe the men and women of the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office my appreciation and respect for their service to the citizens of this County.

The citizens of Multnomah County are fortunate to have the employees of the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office as the stewards of our public safety resources.

Sheriff Bernie Giusto