Brandon Sarti currently serves as the Chief of Police for the City of Winston, leading the Winston Police Department with a strong 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 extensive experience in law enforcement leadership, Chief Sarti 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, he joined the Winston Police Department as a paid reserve officer and was hired full-time the following year. 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.

He was promoted to Sergeant in 2004, overseeing the Patrol Division and managing major crime investigations. In 2011, he advanced to Lieutenant, serving as Executive Officer to the Chief of Police and supervising all department operations and divisions. That same year, his subordinates voted him Winston Police Department Officer of the Year.

In 2018, Chief Sarti was promoted to Police Chief, where he continues to lead the department with dedication to public safety and community service. That same year, he also earned his Executive Certificate from the Oregon Police Academy.

The Winston Police Department is proud to recognize Officer Sandi Koberstein, who serves in many key roles within the department, including Records Specialist, Evidence Officer, Public Community Officer, and Assistant to the Chief of Police.

In these capacities, Officer Koberstein processes and safeguards police records, manages evidence with care and precision, engages with the community to build trust, and provides essential 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 it serves.

Officer Koberstein graduated from the Umpqua Community College Police Reserve Academy in 2003, where she developed a strong foundation in patrol procedures, investigations, and officer safety, earning the Defensive Tactics Award for her performance. Shortly after, she joined the Winston Police Department as a Reserve Officer and, by 2005, secured a full-time position. In 2012, she was promoted to Detective, specializing in crimes against children while also serving as a member of the Major Crimes Unit and a School Resource Officer.

Dedicated to both law enforcement and community service, Officer Koberstein has been actively involved in community events, with a particular focus on youth engagement. As a certified Field Training Officer and background investigator, she has mentored new officers, reserves, and cadets, shaping the future of the department. She also holds an Advanced Certificate from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) and is the Union Secretary.

In 2018, Officer Koberstein transitioned into her current clerical and administrative role within the department. She now works directly with the Chief of Police, oversees the Records Department, manages evidence, and continues to serve as Community Outreach Officer—furthering her commitment to bridging the gap between law enforcement and the public.

Her service has been recognized with multiple honors, including 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.

Operations Lieutenant Ralph Stiffler oversees the Patrol, School Resource, and Code Enforcement Divisions of the Winston Police Department, providing leadership and guidance to a team that includes patrol officers, reserve officers, school resource officers, and code enforcement personnel.

Lieutenant Ralph Stiffler is a dedicated public servant with more than three decades of combined military and law enforcement experience. A U.S. Army veteran, he served with distinction during his deployment to Somalia in 1992. Following his military service, he prepared 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 an assignment in the Patrol Division in 2000. The following year, he continued his service to veterans as a Police Officer with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
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 Winston Police Department. Over the years, his leadership and professionalism earned him several promotions, including Sergeant in 2018 and Lieutenant in 2024.

He holds an Executive Certification from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), having completed more than 2,475 hours of law enforcement training. He is also a 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 proud to highlight Sergeant Mike Miller, who serves as Patrol Sergeant. Under the direction of Lieutenant Stiffler, Sergeant Miller oversees the Patrol Division, ensuring the safety and security of the Winston community.

In this role, he supervises and supports patrol officers in their daily operations, coordinates responses to emergencies and public safety concerns, ensures compliance with departmental policies and laws, and provides mentorship and guidance to officers. His leadership helps maintain a professional and effective police presence throughout the community.

Sergeant Miller is deeply committed to the safety and well-being of Winston residents. His leadership within the Patrol Division plays a vital role in advancing the department’s mission of delivering effective, compassionate, and professional law enforcement services.

A proud graduate of Umpqua Community College, Sergeant Miller 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 before being hired by the Winston Police Department later that year.

He was promoted to Corporal in 2012 and advanced to Sergeant in 2018. Throughout his career, Sergeant Miller has demonstrated consistent professionalism, leadership, and dedication to public service. He also holds an Executive Certification from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), recognizing his extensive training and commitment to excellence in law enforcement.

As a dedicated member of the Winston Police Department, Senior Officer Patrick Wright is responsible for protecting residents, enforcing local and state laws, and responding to emergencies with professionalism and care. His duties include community policing, crime prevention, traffic safety, and providing assistance to citizens. With a focus on building strong community relationships, he works to ensure Winston remains a safe and welcoming place for all.

Officer Wright has proudly served with the department since 2013. He began his career as a Reserve Officer before transitioning to full-time in 2015. Over the years, he has taken on a variety of specialized roles, including K9 Handler, Reserve Coordinator, ORPAT Instructor, Taser Instructor, Drone Pilot, and Field Training Officer.

With extensive experience in DUII investigations, ICAC cases, and search warrant preparation, Officer Wright is recognized for his leadership, professionalism, and dedication to both his team and the community. His service has been honored with two Officer of the Year nominations and a Life Saving Award.

In addition to his patrol responsibilities, Officer Wright serves as Union President, representing and advocating for his fellow officers to ensure their voices are heard and their needs supported. His commitment to excellence, officer development, and public safety continues to make him an integral part of the Winston Police Department and its mission to serve with integrity.

Senior Officer Booth serves the community with dedication and professionalism, focusing on public safety, crime prevention, and building strong relationships with residents. With experience and leadership in law enforcement, he works to uphold the law while fostering trust and security in the community.

Cody Booth is a Senior Officer and Union Vice President. Officer Booth began his career with the Winston Police Department in June 2015 as a Reserve Officer before being hired full-time in October of the same year. Over the past decade, he has taken on a variety of roles and responsibilities within the department.

Officer Booth currently serves as the Cadet Coordinator and is a Field Training Officer, where he plays a key role in developing and mentoring new officers. He is also an ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Investigator, reflecting his commitment to protecting vulnerable members of the community.

In addition to his investigative work, Officer Booth is a certified instructor in several critical areas, including Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST), Intoxilyzer 8000 operation, Use of Force, Defensive Tactics, and Taser Deployment. From 2016 to 2024, he served as a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), providing specialized expertise in impaired driving cases.

Beyond his duties with the Winston Police Department, Officer Booth is also a member of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Negotiation Team, where he assists in high-stakes situations requiring advanced communication and de-escalation skills. In recognition of his professionalism and service, he was honored as Officer of the Year by the Winston Police Department.

Senior Officer Seth Melvin is a dedicated law enforcement professional with over 11 years of full-time patrol experience. Officer Melvin began his career in 2013 after graduating from the UCC Police Reserve Academy, where he earned the Honor Cadet Award and served as a class leader, exemplifying his leadership potential and commitment from the very start.

Following his graduation, Officer Melvin was hired by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, where he served as a Patrol Deputy from 2013 to 2014. In April 2016, he was hired by Chief Scott Gugel to join the Winston Police Department, where he has since become a key member of the team.

Over the years, Officer Melvin has taken on several specialized roles, including Field Training Officer and Firearms Instructor. He currently holds an Intermediate Police Certification through the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), with over 1,100 hours of advanced training.

In addition to his instructional roles, Officer Melvin is a certified Glock armorer and AR-15 armorer, demonstrating his deep technical knowledge and commitment to firearm safety and operational readiness. His dedication to improving firearms training and department equipment has significantly enhanced officer preparedness and community safety.

Officer Melvin’s passion for law enforcement and public service is reflected in his daily work and ongoing contributions to both his department and the community.

Officer Chris Bonebrake began his law enforcement career in 2002 as a cadet with the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office. After graduating high school, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice while serving as a reservist in the U.S. Marines. Following a combat deployment to Afghanistan with the Oregon Army National Guard, Officer Bonebrake returned stateside and was hired by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, where he served for over two years before joining the Roseburg Police Department as a patrol officer.

During his tenure at Roseburg PD, Officer Bonebrake held several key roles, including Field Training Officer, Union Secretary, Honor Guard member, K9 Handler, and Emergency Response Team member. After more than eight years of service there, he joined the Winston Police Department in 2022, where he currently serves as a patrol officer. He also serves as a Firearms and Tactics Instructor and as a negotiator with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Negotiation Team.

Officer Bonebrake’s dedication to public service has been recognized through the Roseburg Optimist Club’s “Officer of the Year” award on two occasions, as well as two Medals of Valor for his involvement in critical incidents. He holds an Advanced Certificate from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) and continues to bring experience, leadership, and commitment to the Winston Police Department.

K9 Officer Blake Cordell began his law enforcement career as a Marine Cadet in 2008 with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. From 2011 to 2021, he served as a Master Police Officer at the Roseburg Police Department, and since 2022, he has been with the Winston Police Department.

A multiple-generation police officer, Officer Cordell has dedicated his entire adult life to public service. While serving as a police officer, he also spent eight years in the U.S. Army Reserve with a Civil Affairs Brigade, leaving the service at the rank of Captain. As a federally licensed Remote Pilot, he operates unmanned aircraft for the department. Officer Cordell holds an Associate’s Degree in Human Services and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

Bringing nearly two decades of law enforcement experience, Officer Cordell holds an Advanced Police Certificate and has served in a variety of roles, including Field Training Officer, School Resource Officer, K9 Handler, tactical team member, active shooter response trainer, police trainee instructor, CPR/First Aid instructor, and Background Investigator. He has also received advanced training in arson investigations, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC), school safety assessment, and pre-hospital casualty care.

K9 Nike is a Belgian Malinois who was born on 9/20/2016, in The Netherlands. His commands are in Dutch and he was originally trained in the police dog sport of KNPV. Nike transferred to the Winston Police Department in 2022 after serving with Officer Cordell at the Roseburg Police Department. Nike can track lost or fleeing people, search buildings, locate hidden people and articles, and help apprehend suspects. K9 Nike is featured in the book, “Passing the Badge,” and the booklet, “What is a police officer?”

Officer Nick Murtha brings over a decade of experience in law enforcement, public service, and military operations. He began his career with the Oregon Army National Guard in 2010, serving as an Infantryman and deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2014 to 2015. His commitment to service continued at home with reserve officer positions at the Myrtle Creek Police Department (2013–2016) and the Winston Police Department (2020–2021).

From 2013 to 2021, Officer Murtha worked with the Douglas County Juvenile Department, focusing on youth rehabilitation and community safety. In 2021, he returned to the Myrtle Creek Police Department as a full-time Police Officer, serving the community with distinction and professionalism until 2023.

He holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice from Umpqua Community College and an Intermediate Law Enforcement Certification from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training. Officer Murtha is also certified as a Firearms and Less-Lethal Munitions instructor.

Throughout his career, Officer Murtha has demonstrated a strong commitment to public safety, leadership, and community engagement, bringing valuable experience and dedication to the Winston Police Department.

School Resource Officer Kevin Van Atta began his law enforcement career in April 1989 as a Reserve Officer with the Myrtle Creek Police Department. In January 1991, he was hired into a full-time patrol position, where he also spent a year teaching the D.A.R.E. program.

In 1999, Officer Van Atta joined the Oregon State Police and was assigned to the patrol division in Central Point. After two and a half years, he transferred to the Roseburg office, where he continued his patrol work. During his time with OSP, he also served on the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Team for 10 years. He retired from OSP in November 2016 after a long and distinguished career.

In February 2019, Officer Van Atta came out of retirement to take on a School Resource Officer role with the Winston-Dillard School District. Since then, he has been dedicated to supporting students, staff, and the community. He is proud to be part of the district and values the strong partnership between the schools and law enforcement.

Officer Carpenter serves as our School Resource Officer, working to ensure the safety and security of our school community. He builds positive relationships with students and staff, provides guidance on safety and law-related issues, and supports a safe and welcoming learning environment.

Officer Bobby Carpenter joined the Winston Police Department as a School Resource Officer in 2020. Before coming to Winston, he served as an Army Ranger and earned his degree from Southern Oregon University. He then went on to spend over 25 years with the Roseburg Police Department, retiring as a Master Officer. During that time, he gained experience in many different capacities, including Field Training Officer (FTO), Detective, Watch Commander, Firearms Instructor, and Emergency Response Team (ERT) leader. These diverse roles provided him with a strong foundation in leadership, investigation, and training.

Since joining Winston PD, Officer Carpenter has brought this wealth of knowledge and experience to the department and the Winston Dillard School District. He plays an important role in supporting staff, students, and families, while also assisting in investigations and helping address issues both in and outside of the schools. He is recognized for his collaborative spirit, his willingness to step in wherever needed, and his focus on building trust and relationships within the community.

Beyond his daily duties, Officer Carpenter is involved in community life. He can often be found attending local student athletic events, encouraging young people and showing his support outside of the classroom. He also participates in community programs such as Trunk or Treat and contributes to veteran-focused initiatives like ‘We’ve Got Your Six.’ These efforts reflect his belief in giving back and strengthening the connection between law enforcement and the community it serves.

Officer Carpenter is a dedicated member of the Winston Police Department whose professionalism, compassion, and service make him a valued part of the community. His decades of experience combined with his ongoing commitment to Winston ensure that he continues to make a positive and lasting impact.

Code Enforcement Officer Dana Parker serves as a Code Enforcement and Animal Control Officer with the Winston Police Department. He began his law enforcement career as a Reserve Officer in 2011 and was hired full-time in 2018.

In his role, Officer Parker is dedicated to upholding community standards and ensuring the safety and well-being of both residents and animals. He plays a vital part in code enforcement and animal control operations, handling cases with professionalism, fairness, and compassion. In addition, he actively supports patrol officers in their duties and regularly assists with community events, further strengthening the relationship between the department and the public.

Beyond his work with the department, Officer Parker is an active member of the Oregon Animal Control Council, where he contributes to statewide collaboration, training, and advocacy in the field of animal welfare and enforcement.

In recognition of his outstanding service, he was honored as the 2024 Officer of the Year—a reflection of his dedication, leadership, and positive impact on the community.