I wore my first police uniform when I was 16 months old, and my dad was graduating from the Oregon State Police Academy. I am now 48 years old and have been a police officer for Halloween ever since my first uniform. For the last 17 years, I was working at the Salem Police Department. I was promoted to Lieutenant in 2019, and was assigned to the patrol division. I have been a member of the Salem Police SWAT team, Mobile Response Team, Domestic Violence response team, Behavioral Health Unit, and the Downtown Enforcement Team. I was a firearms instructor and a defensive tactics instructor.

My passion working the street was outreach for the un-sheltered and the mentally ill. I enjoyed the rare occasion to help someone out of their addiction and illness.

I joined the US Navy in 1996. I served as a Navy Corpsman. I was stationed with a Marine Infantry Company in 29 Palms, California. In 1998, I was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the United States Marine Corps. I retired in 2018 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. As a Marine Infantry Officer, I traveled to Okinawa, Korea, Africa, Iraq, and Afghanistan for two deployments.

My wife, Paige Clarkson, is the elected District Attorney in Marion County, Oregon. She lives in Salem during the week and raises our kids and takes care of all aspects of the home front. She spends as much time as she can in Central Oregon.


My new role as the Chief of Police is one of the most sought-after jobs in Oregon Law Enforcement. The views are amazing and all the people I have met on the Ranch have welcomed me with open arms. I am honored and grateful to serve this community. Please stop in for a cup of coffee and grab my business card, I am available for contact 24 hours a day, seven days a week.