Okanogan County Sheriff Office

09/13/2026

09/12/2026

A reminder to the public: Do not fly drones in or near wildfire Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs). Unauthorized drones create a serious hazard for firefighting aircraft and can force air operations to stop until the airspace is clear.

If you fly, we can’t. Please keep drones grounded and help keep firefighters and aviation resources safe.

09/09/2026

UPDATE – SUSPECT IN CUSTODY | 9/10/2026

Mark Ortiz has been taken into custody today after being located and again attempting to elude law enforcement by fleeing on foot.

Detective Venturo pursued Ortiz on foot, and Ortiz resisted during the apprehension before ultimately being taken into custody.

We appreciate the assistance and cooperation of the public and the law enforcement agencies involved in locating and apprehending Ortiz.

SEARCH FOR WANTED SUSPECT

Multiple law enforcement agencies are currently in the area of Highway 20 near milepost 295, close to the Ferry County/Okanogan County line, searching for Mark Ortiz.

Ortiz was reportedly trespassing in the area. When confronted by law enforcement, he assaulted a responding deputy and fled the area on foot.

Ortiz was last seen wearing a camouflage jacket and blue jeans. He is described as:

• Age: 46
• Height: 5’7”
• Weight: Approximately 160 pounds
• Hair: Brown
• Eyes: Brown

Ortiz should be considered armed and dangerous. Do not approach or attempt to contact him.

If you have seen Ortiz in the area or provided him with a ride out of the area, please contact 911 or the Okanogan County Dispatch 509-422-7232 #4 and provide any information you may have regarding his location or direction of travel.

Residents and motorists in the area are asked to remain alert and use caution while law enforcement continues the search.

09/02/2026

🚨 NOW HIRING – CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANT / MEDICAL ASSISTANT CERTIFIED

The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office – Corrections Division is seeking a motivated and compassionate Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) / Medical Assistant Certified (MAC) to join our correctional healthcare team at the Okanogan County Jail.

This position will serve as a Re-Entry Care Coordinator, supporting incarcerated individuals in accessing medical, behavioral health, and substance use disorder services during incarceration and helping coordinate continuity of care as they transition back into the community.

Working as part of our multidisciplinary medical and re-entry team, this position will support the jail’s HCA 1115 Re-Entry Program and Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Program. Responsibilities include assisting with health screenings, obtaining vital signs, coordinating community appointments and referrals, supporting Apple Health eligibility processes, assisting with discharge and re-entry planning, documenting services in the electronic health record, and assisting with pill call and medication distribution under the supervision of licensed medical staff.

Position highlights include:
💰 Salary: $4,752 – $5,777 per month
🕐 Full-time position
🏥 Work directly with the jail's medical, re-entry, and MOUD programs
🤝 Coordinate medical, behavioral health, substance use disorder, and community services
🩺 Assist with health screenings, vital signs, pill call, and medication distribution under appropriate supervision
🔗 Help coordinate re-entry appointments and warm handoffs to community providers
📝 Support continuity of care and discharge planning for individuals returning to the community
⭐ County benefits including health, vision, dental, retirement, paid time off, and sick leave
Applicants must possess a current Washington State Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Medical Assistant Certified (MAC) credential and current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. CNAs may also be considered based on appropriate experience. Experience in corrections, behavioral health, or care coordination is preferred.

Correctional healthcare offers a unique opportunity to make an impact both inside the facility and in the community. This position helps bridge the gap between incarceration and community-based care by ensuring individuals are connected with appropriate services, providers, medications, and resources as they prepare for release.

📍 Okanogan County Jail – Okanogan, Washington

Ready to join our team?
Applications may be submitted by email to [email protected] or in person at 123 5th Ave N., Room 150, Okanogan, WA 98840.

For questions regarding the position or application process, contact Vicky Poole at 509-422-7169.

Come be part of a team making a difference in Okanogan County!

09/01/2026

Evening Update - August 31, 2026
Acres: 166373
Containment: 39%

Recent fluctuations in acreage and containment are a result of the Southwest Incident Management Team gaining a more accurate picture of the fire’s footprint. This doesn’t mean the fire is growing or firefighters are losing ground. As crews hike the line with GPS, analyze infrared flights, and use improved mapping technology, they’re getting clearer information about where the fire is. When that data is updated, the reported size and containment levels can change to reflect more accurate information.

Photo: Pulled hose from sections of fireline that have been contained. Captured on 8/30/2026.

08/31/2026

🚨 NOW HIRING – CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR

The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office – Corrections Division is currently accepting applications for a Control Room Operator at the Okanogan County Jail.

Control Room Operators are a critical part of the jail’s day-to-day operations. Working from the facility’s central control room, they help maintain the safety and security of the jail by monitoring security systems and video cameras, controlling access throughout the facility, communicating with corrections staff, and assisting with public and inmate-related transactions.

This is a great opportunity for someone interested in working in public safety and corrections without serving in a commissioned Corrections Deputy position.

Position highlights:
💰 Salary: $24.07 – $30.73 per hour
🏛️ Okanogan County Civil Service position
📹 Monitor jail security cameras and alarm systems
🔐 Control secure doors and movement throughout the facility
📞 Communicate and coordinate with Corrections Deputies and other personnel
🤝 Greet and assist members of the public
💵 Receive and process monies for inmates
🏥 Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance
💼 Retirement, deferred compensation options, disability and life insurance
🌴 Annual and sick leave accrual

📅 CIVIL SERVICE TESTING
Testing will be held:
Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 9:00 AM
📍 Okanogan County Commissioners Hearing Room
123 5th Ave N., Room 150
Okanogan, WA
Applications must be submitted before testing and will be accepted until:
5:00 PM – Thursday, September 10, 2026
💲 Testing fee: $20.00

For application information or questions, contact Chief Examiner Vicky Poole at 509-422-7169 or [email protected].

If you're dependable, attentive, able to communicate effectively, and interested in becoming part of the team that keeps the Okanogan County Jail operating safely and securely, we encourage you to apply!

Come be part of the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office Corrections team!