Prineville, Ore. – Crook County Sheriff John Gautney is celebrating a major milestone this week—40 years in law enforcement since first taking the oath on April 18, 1985. Over the course of four decades, Sheriff Gautney has built a reputation for principled leadership, calm under pressure, and unwavering dedication to public safety. And despite the long tenure, he says he’s not ready to hang up the badge just yet.
According to biographical information published by the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association, Gautney began his career with the Crook County Sheriff’s Office, where he served in multiple roles including criminal patrol deputy and later sergeant. In 1994, he joined the Bend Police Department, where he took on increasingly complex responsibilities—ranging from detective and patrol sergeant to Task Force Commander of the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team.
Gautney returned to Crook County in 2011 as Undersheriff and was later sworn in as Sheriff on December 31, 2015, following the retirement of then-Sheriff Jim Hensley. Throughout his time in leadership, Gautney has prioritized mentorship and steady leadership, traits that were highlighted in a 2022 feature by American Police Beat magazine, which described him as a “calm and fair” leader who supports his staff while maintaining a rational approach to law enforcement.
Beyond the badge, Sheriff Gautney is a longtime resident of Crook County and a dedicated family man. He and his wife Audrey have four children and nine grandchildren. The tradition of public service runs in the family—one of his sons currently serves as a Detective Sergeant with the Redmond Police Department, according to the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association profile.
As Gautney reflects on 40 years of public service, he shows no signs of slowing down. His commitment to Crook County and to the values of fairness, integrity, and professionalism remain as strong as ever.
Gautney sat down the Prineville Review as he reflected on those 40 years of service. He explained that he has no immediate eyes on retirement.
“As long as I stay healthy and I still enjoy doing what I do, I have no plans to do anything different,” said Gautney. “Now, obviously, life changes, you know. And so, I’m not going to say an absolute, definite one way or another—I’ll be 70 in August.”
While Gautney explained that he misses the days of being a “cop”—as his role is far more adminsitative these days—he still enjoys the day-to-day his role as the Crook County Sheriff brings.
“I still like coming to work — I like being the Sheriff,” said Gautney. “I spend my time doing administrative stuff now: budgets, managing staff, things like that.
Beyond the badge, Sheriff Gautney is a longtime resident of Crook County and a dedicated family man. He and his wife Audrey have four children and nine grandchildren. The tradition of public service runs in the family—one of his sons currently serves as a Detective Sergeant with the Redmond Police Department, according to the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association profile.
Gautney also had much appreciate for the support he said his wife has provided—explaining they were married just before he entered law enforcement in 1985.
A humble Gautney also repeatedly shared his appreciations for the countless employees and deputies who he repeatedly said are like family.
“We try to be family–all the people who work here,” he explained. “We all try to particulate in events in the community, and we put on several community events like Faith & Blue, a free [paper] shred day, and other events like a boat inspection for people to bring their boats down.”
We asked Gautney about his advice to younger law enforcement professionals or those looking to get into and make a career out of law enforcement. His primary advice centered around taking care of your own health, especially mental health, and balancing aspects of your personal life.
“Get a balanced life. Don’t becoime a cop, become a person. Work as a cop as a job, but don’t let it identify who you are. I see too many who take on this whole persona of ‘I’m a cop’, Gautney explained. “Balance life with your family and outside interests–not just police work.”
As Sheriff Gautney marks 40 years in law enforcement, he remains an active figure in Crook County’s local government. His long tenure reflects both the changing demands of the profession and the stability of leadership within the Sheriff’s Office. While questions about retirement naturally arise, Gautney’s continued service and statements suggest he remains focused on the responsibilities of the role of serving the citizens of Crook County.
