Brandon Sarti currently serves as the Chief of Police for the City of Winston, where he leads the Winston Police Department with a commitment to community-focused policing, integrity, and public safety. In this role, he oversees departmental operations, develops strategic initiatives to reduce crime, and works closely with residents, businesses, and local leaders to strengthen trust between law enforcement and the community. With a strong background in law enforcement leadership, Brandon is dedicated to fostering professionalism within the department while ensuring transparency, accountability, and the protection of civil rights for all citizens.

Chief Sarti began his career in public safety in 1988 as an Explorer with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team. In 1993, he was hired as a Sheriff’s Cadet, serving in both the Marine Patrol Division at Diamond Lake and the Records Division, where he also assisted with civil service duties. He continued in these roles until 1996.

In 1996, Chief Sarti joined the City of Winston Police Department as a paid reserve officer and, the following year, was hired full-time. In 1998, he became a member of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team and went on to serve in several key roles, including Field Training Officer, Reserve Coordinator, and instructor at the Umpqua Community College Reserve Academy.

During his time in patrol, Chief Sarti earned recognition for his dedication and bravery, receiving the Police Officers Hall of Fame Silver Star for actions during a critical incident, as well as a Life Saving Award. He also served four terms as President of the Police Association.

In 2004, he was promoted to Sergeant, overseeing the Patrol Division and managing major crime investigations. He advanced to Lieutenant in 2011, serving as Executive Officer to the Chief of Police and supervising all department operations and divisions. That same year, he earned his Executive Certificate from the Oregon Police Academy.

In 2018, Chief Sarti was promoted to Police Chief, where he continues to lead the department with a commitment to public safety and community service.

Winston Police Department Operations Lieutenant consist of Patrol, School Resource, and Code Enforcement Divisions and is commanded by Operations Lieutenant Ralph Stiffler. Listed below is the staff Lieutenant Stiffler overseas.

Patrol Division: 1 Shift Supervisor, 6 patrol Officers
Reserve Unit: 4 Reserve Officers
Cadet Unit
: No Cadets at this time
School Resource Division: 2 Officers
Code Enforcement Division: 1 Officer

Lieutenant Ralph Stiffler is a dedicated public servant with over three decades of combined military and law enforcement experience. A U.S. Army veteran, Lt. Stiffler served with distinction during his deployment to Somalia in 1992. Following his military service, he began preparing for a career in civilian law enforcement by attending the National Park Service Seasonal Law Enforcement Academy in 1995.

In 1996, Lt. Stiffler began his law enforcement career as a Corrections Deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. His dedication and performance earned him a position in the Patrol Division in 2000. The following year, he accepted a role as a Police Officer with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, continuing his service to fellow veterans.

Lt. Stiffler broadened his public safety experience with the Oregon Department of Transportation as a weighmaster before returning to municipal law enforcement in 2002, when he was hired as a Patrol Officer with the City of Winston Police Department. Over the years, his leadership and professionalism earned him multiple promotions: to Sergeant in 2018 and to the rank of Lieutenant in 2024.

Lt. Stiffler holds an Executive Certification from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), having completed over 2,475 hours of law enforcement training. He is also a proud graduate of Oregon State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.

Throughout his career, Lieutenant Stiffler has remained committed to the safety, integrity, and well-being of his community, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the Winston Police Department.

The Winston Police Department is pleased to inform you about Sergeant Mike Miller, who serves as the Patrol Sergeant in our department. Under the guidance of Lieutenant Stiffler, Sergeant Miller oversees our Patrol Division, ensuring that our community remains safe and secure.

As Patrol Sergeant, Sergeant Miller:

• Supervises and supports our patrol officers in daily operations.
• Coordinates responses to emergencies and public safety concerns.
• Ensures that all departmental policies and laws are properly followed.
• Provides guidance and mentorship to officers, helping maintain a professional and effective police presence in our community.

Sergeant Miller is dedicated to maintaining the safety and well-being of all Winston residents. His leadership in the Patrol Division is critical to our mission of providing effective, compassionate, and professional law enforcement services.

Sergeant Mike Miller is a proud graduate of Umpqua Community College, where he also completed the Umpqua Community College Reserve Officer Academy. He began his law enforcement career in 2005 as a Reserve Deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Later that year, in September 2005, he was hired by the Winston Police Department.

Sergeant Miller was promoted to the rank of Corporal in 2012 and advanced to Sergeant in 2018. Over the course of his career, he has demonstrated strong leadership, professionalism, and commitment to public service. He holds an Executive Certification through the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), reflecting his extensive training and dedication to the field of law enforcement.

The Winston Police Department is proud to recognize Officer Sandi Koberstein, who holds many key roles within the department, including Records Specialist, Evidence Officer, Public Community Officer, and Assistant to the Chief of Police. Through her various responsibilities, Officer Koberstein processes and safeguards police records, manages evidence with care and precision, engages with the community to build trust, and provides vital administrative support to the Chief of Police.

Her dedication, professionalism, and attention to detail make her an invaluable member of the department, strengthening the connection between the Winston Police Department and the community we proudly serve.

Officer Sandi Koberstein graduated from the Umpqua Community College Police Reserve Academy in 2003, where she built a strong foundation in the fundamentals of law enforcement. Her training emphasized patrol procedures, investigations, and officer safety, and she was recognized with the Defensive Tactics Award for her skills during the program. Shortly after, she joined the Winston Police Department as a Reserve Officer.

By 2005, she had secured a full-time position, and in 2012 she was promoted to Detective, specializing in crimes against children while also serving as a School Resource Officer. Dedicated to both law enforcement and community service, Officer Koberstein has been actively involved in community events, with a special focus on youth engagement. As a certified Field Training Officer and background investigator, she has mentored new officers, reserves, and cadets, helping to shape the future of the department. She also holds her Advanced Certificate through Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST.)

In 2018, she shifted gears and stepped into a more clerical role within the Winston Police Department. In this position, she works directly with the Chief, oversees the Records Department, manages evidence, and serves as the Community Outreach Officer—continuing her commitment to bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community.

Her service has been recognized with honors such as Officer of the Year, Hometown Hero, and a feature in a national magazine—testament to the respect she has earned from peers, supervisors, and community members alike.