For the first time in its then 35-year history, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Department Reserve was headed by a woman.  In 1976, 46-year-old Nelda Bryson (wife of William, mother of 8 children, and a Gresham - area resident) was named to command the 126-person Reserve Unit of the Clackamas County Sheriff's Department by Sheriff John Renfro. Sheriff Renfro said, "I am happy that Mrs. Bryson accepted the position of Commander, and I look forward to working with her in that capacity.  I am most appreciative of the services of the Reserves who do so much for our community, often without pay, and we could not do without them."

She had been with the Reserve since 1972.  In 1972, Sheriff Joe Shobe realized that women would also like to become Deputies, and he started a woman's unit for the Sheriff's Reserve.  Nelda Bryson was sworn in on September 7, 1972, along with seven other women into the Women's Reserve where she worked her way up through the ranks to Reserve Captain.  In 1976, the Women's Reserve was combined with the regular Reserve Unit.  Also in 1976, Reserve Commander John Riggs retired after 20 years; and Mrs. Bryson was appointed Reserve Commander of the 126-member Reserve Unit.  Prior to the appointment, she was a full-time "volunteer," she had already put in an average of 160 hours a month and had racked up over 9,000 hours.  The Clackamas County Sheriff's Reserve Deputies augmented the Sheriff's Department in many capacities. After training, Reserves did road patrol, worked in the jail, helped with administrative duties, and did search and rescue.

When interviewed by a local newspaper, Mrs. Bryson said of her appointment, "As far as my management philosophy goes, I intend to utilize completely all Reserve personnel, training, and equipment to the highest possible degree in order to augment the mission of the Sheriff."  She also told the newspaper that she couldn't devote the time to her job without the cooperation of her family.  Two of her eight children were still at home.  A daughter and a son-in-law followed her into the Reserve, and another son-in-law was a member of the Albany Police Department.  Her husband William at that time was a truck driver for the Oregon Military Department at Camp Withycombe.  (Photo Above - left to right:  Three generations of Clackamas County Sheriff employees:  Nelda Louise Bryson, Grandson Scott King, Daughter Sandy Kim Jolly) 

In 1974, Mrs. Bryson was named Clackamas County's "Reserve Deputy Sheriff of the Year."  She also was chosen to receive the first Charles A. Aldrich Trophy.  Upon being appointed Reserve Commander in 1976, her name was submitted to the Reserve Law Officers Association of America (RLOAA); and it was determined that to their knowledge, she was the first woman Commander in the nation.  She received RLOAA's "National Distinguished Service Award."

When interviewed in 2002, Mrs. Bryson spoke of her career with the Clackamas County Sheriff's Department.  She said: "I worked in all departments of the Sheriff's Office including personnel, records, detectives, jail, search and rescue, and as a Deputy at football and basketball games.  In 1983, I was assigned to the Special Investigations Unit as their secretary.  Due to my work load in Special Investigations, I was unable to fulfill the obligations of Reserve Commander as I felt they should be fulfilled; I resigned the commission of Reserve Commander in late 1983.  In May, 1992, I retired from the Sheriff's Office."

Nelda Louise Bryson was put to rest at the Willamette National Cemetery.  Mrs. Bryson's family wishes to thank Sheriff Craig Roberts and the Clackamas County Sheriff's Department for its participation in honoring her at her memorial services.  Her brother Ken Beeler said they did an outstnding job.  (photographs below). 

Photo left:  Clackamas County Sheriff's Department Honor Guard standing vigil at Nelda Louise Bryson's memorial service.

Photo right:  Changing of the Guard.

Photo left:  Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts accepting the flag to be presented to Nelda's husband, William Towers Bryson (United States Army, retired 48 years). 

Photo right:  Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts presenting the flag to Nelda's husband, William Towers Bryson (United States Army, retired 48 years).

Web Author Note:  NRLO and its members nation-wide salute Nelda Louise Bryson, not only for being one of this country's "Ultimate Voluneers" but also for being part of Reserve Law Enforcement's important history.  It is because of people like Nelda that today's Reserves and Auxiliaries in the U.S. are able to get the training and experience needed to serve their communities.  Prayers and thoughts go out to her family.  Thanks goes to her brother, Ken Beeler of Happy Valley, OR, for the notice of Nelda's passing and for the above information on her outstanding Law Enforcement career.  Nelda passed of natural causes at her home in Damascus, OR.  A Lifetime President's Volunteer Service Award has been presented to Nelda's family for her volunteer service to her community and country. 

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