Kent is the Right Balance of Compassion and Law Enforcement That We Need

Transcript as published in the Bend Bulletin October 18th, 2024

The job of Deschutes County sheriff is an important one and I have been carefully watching this hotly contested race unfold. I am voting for Kent Vander Kamp for Deschutes County sheriff because he possesses the right balance of compassion and law enforcement that we need in our region. I feel compelled to share my story and why I am voting for Kent.

As a pre-teen I suffered sexual assault.

I confided in my parents who did not believe me. I started taking painkillers. Years later, I experienced a very violent sexual and physical assault at the hands of an acquaintance. I did not reveal this incident because I was not believed the first time. I started drinking and got a DUI. During my dealings with law enforcement for my DUI, I shared that I had recently been raped, physically assaulted and was waiting for a bed to safely detox. Over several encounters the officers asked if I wanted to talk about the recent assault and I said no. Not long after that, I met Detective Kent Vander Kamp.

Kristina Valet

He knew that something tragic had happened to me and that it was a crime. He believed that justice was important for me and our community. He was patient and wanted to help. It was hard for me to fully open up about what had happened, but I understood that it was important to make sure this cycle of violence did not happen to another girl.

Within a week of sharing my story with Vander Kamp, my perpetrator was arrested, later convicted and served two years in prison. Things got a whole lot worse for me before they got better, but having someone show me compassion, patience and take me seriously meant the world to me. I eventually hit rock bottom and got the help I needed.

Part of my recovery included realizing how grateful I was to be alive. During these reflections, I realized Kent’s support was integral to my recovery from addiction and the sexual assaults. I finally had the support network to make real life changes. I realized that Kent’s listening to me and helping me opened up so many other positive doors to get the help I so desperately needed. He didn’t know me or have any obligation to investigate my situation beyond offering to listen and investigate if I wanted help.

He could have let it go. For the first time I felt seen, heard, and validated. I didn’t have to convince anyone or even say anything for them to see that something more was going on besides addiction.

He cared! He had compassion and empathy for what I went through. I’ve got 7 ½ years of sobriety and 8 wonderful years with my husband. I have never felt more loved and supported in my life!

Law enforcement isn’t just a job for Kent. He does it because he cares about people! I can’t thank him enough for pursuing me and not taking no for an answer.

I needed someone to care, and he did!

I am not the only person who feels this way. I have heard others share similar stories. I realize most people think of law enforcement from the perspective of getting criminals off the street and that is, of course, important.

But an integral part of that function that is often overlooked is the importance of officer temperament and the ability to treat victims and others impacted by crime with integrity, patience and compassion. Kent has these qualities in spades and I believe he would bring the right leadership qualities to this position.

Please vote for Kent. I will.

Kristina Valet