Yamhill County

Sheriff Tim Svenson grew up in Clatskanie, Oregon, where he began his law enforcement career in 1995 as a cadet with the Clatskanie Police Department. He attended Western Oregon University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement, studying Public Policy and Administration. He was hired by Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office as an intern in June of 1999 and hired full-time as a deputy in January of 2000. 

Since becoming a part of Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, he has continued serving the community as he advanced through the ranks. Svenson has served as a deputy, K-9 handler, sergeant (in both Patrol and Corrections divisions), administrative sergeant, and as operations captain before being elected Sheriff. In November of 2014, he was elected and was sworn in as the 30th Sheriff of Yamhill County on January 5th, 2015. He began his second term as on January 7th, 2019. He currently holds an Executive Level certification through DPSST and is dual-certified in both Patrol and Corrections operations.

In October of 2017, Sheriff Svenson was recognized as the Northwest CIT Crisis Intervention Team Agency Executive of the Year for his continued work involving mental health. In 2019, he was selected as the OSSA Sheriff of the Year.  

Since January of 2021, Svenson has served as the President of OSSA, working alongside Executive Director Myers and the rest of the staff to aid OSSA in its mission of providing support and assistance, through training, networking, and legislative coordination. This way, sheriffs can focus their energies and efforts in their county and on their constituents. 

Sheriff Svenson also serves on a national joint task force through the National Association of Counties and National Sheriffs’ Association, whose goal is to reduce recidivism for inmates through the continuity of health care services for veterans and those on Medicaid. 

Tim is an avid sports fan (#gohawks) and enjoys attending local sporting events. In his spare time, he continues to raise money for local charities such as Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.