Sheriff English was raised in Sherman County in the Columbia River Gorge. He graduated from Sherman Union High School and went on to attend Southern Oregon University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science.
English started his law enforcement career with Hood River Community Corrections as a parole and probation officer. In 2000, he transferred to the Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy. Matt was assigned to investigations in 2009 where he worked as a detective investigating major crimes.
During his tenure at the Sheriff’s Office English has served as a Training Instructor, Traffic Grant Project Coordinator, Public Information Officer and as a Part-Time Instructor at the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training. He has been deeply involved in the Reserve Deputy program, serving as an instructor and past Assistant Program Coordinator. Further, Matt served as president of the Hood River County Law Enforcement Association from 2005-2011. In 2012, English was elected as Hood River County’s 9th Sheriff and started his first term on January 7, 2013.
Matt and his wife Robbie live in Hood River and have twin boys. Matt is an active volunteer in the Hood River Valley. He volunteers in the schools and has coached little league and community ed basketball.
