Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Alan Alderman was reassigned recently, leaving his post on the Mountain, and in the process the community lost one of the good guys.

After several years back and forth patrolling on the Mountain, Alderman was assigned full time in 2010
to the area. An immediate exhale was heard in the community as residents
were still edgy following the imprisonment of disgraced Deputy Brandon
Claggett who had worked the Mountain patrol.

“I loved working up here (during the part-time duties) and took every chance
I got to be here,” Alderman said.

When full-time duty began, Alderman saw it as an opportunity.

“Deputy Claggett did some good things, but his actions were a big reason I
wanted to work in the community,” he said. “I wanted to restore the sheriff’s
office’s name.”

He did just that, using a simple tool, as he describes it.

“I start with respect for you,” he told The Mountain Times in a casual setting
on the Mountain. “I don’t start with being a cop. I’m a judicial tool, here to
help people get things fixed that are going wrong. When I go on a call, I’m
problem solving first. Of course, if a crime has been committed, you get
hauled off.”

His boss, Captain James Rhodes, reflected on the deputy’s work.

“As a patrol division commander, I was honored to have a deputy as
committed to a community,” Rhodes said. Then, in a follow-up email, Rhodes
wrote “Deputy Alderman’s passion for his work and service to the community
are remarkable. He is a shining example of a deputy sheriff who is dedicated
to the community he serves. I wish I had more like him.”

Alderman gained the respect he deserved by his actions. He frequented local
establishments, showing up where people hang out. He made himself, not
special, but available.

He put it more simply: “Let your boots hit the ground.”

One establishment owner, Kim Perry of The Shack, reflected on the impact of
Alderman’s presence in a Commentary she wrote.

In part, she wrote: “Our Welches community had the honor to get to know
one specific individual who deserves a hero’s recognition. Deputy Alan
Alderman gave us a sense of safety and security. He frequented most of the
eating establishments daily for a meal and an ear. He ultimately stood out to
the people as a law enforcer who wasn’t out to be a bully in a uniform. He
genuinely cared for people and their well being.”

Alderman will serve out his final years before retirement in the civil division of
the sheriff’s office, process serving, courthouse duties, training, and “bringing
in bad guys,” he said.

But, as much as he’ll be missed by locals, he will miss them as well.

“I already miss the people, the serenity of driving around, seeing people
walking their dog, mowing their lawn, waving, saying good morning,” he said.

“This community is unique. The people live here for various reasons, but it’s
all personal. No company moved them here. They bust their butts. And I
respect that.”

That unusual attitude did not go unnoticed by many residents.
The Mountain will miss him.