Офицер Орегонской государственной полиции Митч Пейс объявил о выдвижении на пост шерифа округа Уматилла

OSP trooper in Pendleton announces run for sheriff Published 10:00 pm Sunday, August 23, 2026 PENDLETON — Mitch Pace, a lifelong Pendleton-area resident and an Oregon State Police trooper, announced he is running for Umatilla County sheriff in 2028. “I’m running for Umatilla County sheriff because I believe our community deserves leadership grounded in service, integrity, accountability and a genuine commitment to the people who call Umatilla County home,” Pace said in his announcement. “My life and career have prepared me for this responsibility, and I’m ready to put that experience to work for the people of this community.” Pace said his campaign will focus on bringing dependable, experienced and community-minded leadership to the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office. “My family, my community and my years of public service have shaped who I am,” he said in the announcement. “I believe in doing the job the right way, treating people with respect, and earning the trust that comes with serving as sheriff. I look forward to meeting with residents across Umatilla County, listening to their concerns, and sharing my vision for the future of our sheriff’s office.” Pace aims to succeed Terry Rowan as sheriff. Rowan has been sheriff since 2014, but he faces the possibility of three years of ineligibility as a law enforcement officer due to driving drunk in 2025 in Gilliam County. Pace graduated from Pilot Rock High School in 1999 before earning an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer Degree from Blue Mountain Community College in 2012 and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Eastern Oregon University in 2014. Pace since 2001 has owned and managed Pace Wood Products LLC, of Pendleton. Oregon State Police hired Pace in 2001, according to state records. Pace in the announcement stated he has the rank of senior trooper. Pace in 2017 received the Oregon State Police Medal of Valor and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 2021 recognized him as Trooper of the Year for outstanding service and dedication. He also received an Outstanding Service Award for 2024–25 in recognition of his exemplary ability, drive and commitment to the community and state of Oregon. Pace and his wife, Jill Pace, have been married since 2001, and together they are raising three sons. She serves on the Pendleton School Board. Outside of work, according to the announcement, he enjoys traveling and spending time exploring the outdoors. Oregon campaign finance information shows Jill Pace is the treasurer of Mitch Pace’s election committee, Friends of Mitch Pace for Sheriff, which has been operating since Aug. 5. The committee has raised $11,700.