09/02/2026
After more than 38 years in Oregon law enforcement, Chief John Schmerber is retiring from the Gladstone Police Department, bringing to a close a career distinguished by leadership, service, mentorship, and a genuine investment in the people and communities around him.
John began his law enforcement career with the Seaside Police Department in 1988, first serving as a reserve officer before becoming a full-time police officer. In November 1989, he joined the Hillsboro Police Department, where he would spend the next 30 years. During his Hillsboro career, John rose through the ranks, serving as corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, and commander. When he retired from Hillsboro in April 2019, the department recognized his three decades of service and his departure to become Chief of Police for the City of Gladstone.
A 1988 graduate of Western Oregon University, John later returned to WOU as an experienced police commander to speak with students about careers in criminal justice and the importance of strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving in law enforcement. He is also a graduate of FBI National Academy Session 223.
John became Chief of the Gladstone Police Department in May 2019, bringing decades of executive and operational experience to the community. Throughout his tenure, he consistently emphasized professionalism, ethics, character, transparency, and the importance of earning and maintaining the public's trust. Under his leadership, Gladstone Police achieved accreditation through the Oregon Accreditation Alliance, a milestone John described as an important demonstration of accountability to the community and affirmation of the work being done by department members.
But John's impact has extended well beyond police operations. His commitment to young people has been a defining thread throughout his career. For 15 years, he coached football at Westview High School, mentoring young men and helping instill discipline, accountability, and resilience. In Gladstone, he has championed a School Resource Officer model built not simply around school safety, but around relationships and mentorship. He has also served on the boards of the Gladstone Education Foundation and First Tee – Oregon, continuing his investment in opportunities for young people outside the law enforcement setting.
Chief Schmerber has also been a committed member of the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police since 2018. Over the years, he has given generously of his time to the Association, including service on the Executive Resources Committee, as well as involvement with the Intergovernmental & Legislative Committee. His contributions have included helping strengthen resources available to Oregon's law enforcement executives through programs such as the Agency Review Program, while also lending his time and enthusiasm each year to help make OACP's pre-conference golf event a success.
In May 2026, OACP honored John with the Max Patterson Award, recognizing his exceptional commitment to young people and the lasting impact of his mentorship and community involvement. The recognition carries an especially meaningful connection: Max Patterson served as Gladstone's Chief of Police from 1981 until his death in 1990, and decades later, John received the award bearing Max's name while himself serving as Gladstone's chief. The Max Patterson Award recognizes OACP members whose direct involvement in programs provides outstanding benefit to young people - a fitting recognition of a career in which mentorship has never been separate from leadership.
As Chief Schmerber retires, he leaves behind far more than an impressive resume. Across nearly four decades, he has invested in officers, fellow chiefs, students, young athletes, community members, and the profession itself. The OACP is grateful for John's many years of friendship, leadership, and service and wishes him all the very best in retirement.
Congratulations, Chief Schmerber, on an extraordinary career and thank you for the difference you've made.
