Following a unanimous vote from the Sunriver Service District Board in September, Stephen Lopez was appointed as the new Chief of Police on Dec. 1. Lopez’s new position comes after the former Chief of Police, Michael Womer, announced he would retire at the end of November.
Lopez, who has over 17 years of experience in law enforcement, started his career with the Sunriver Police Department in 2021 as a Sergeant. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2022 before being named Sunriver’s new Chief.
Lopez served in several positions in law enforcement after graduating from the FBI National Academy and receiving a Master of Public Safety Degree from the University of Virginia. Lopez also spends his time instructing Criminal Justice courses at Central Oregon Community College.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as the Chief of Police for such a professional department and such a supportive community. I look forward to fostering relationships and leading one of the best law enforcement agencies in the state,” said Lopez. “I am grateful for Chief Womer’s guidance and leadership and wish him well in his well-deserved retirement.”
Former Sunriver Chief, Michael Womer was with the Sunriver Police Department for over nine years. Womer retired on Nov. 30, after 28 years of service in law enforcement.
“I have been profoundly humbled and grateful to have had the privilege of living in and serving this community, while working with such incredible and noble public servants,” said Womer. “It has been an honor and I leave with confidence that Chief Stephen Lopez will be a great change leader who will do far better than I.”
This article appears in Source Weekly November 30, 2023.
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