If anyone seemed destined for a law enforcement career, it was probably the United States Marine who served his country with valor and could easily bench press a 300-pound commercial-grade refrigerator. 

But Lieutenant Tim Lichatowich never planned on working in public safety.  

“I just needed a job while I applied to law school,” he said. “It was a real blessing from God that I got this job.” 

After four years in the U.S. Marine Corps and four years at Oregon State University, the Corvallis native says what was meant to be a brief detour into public safety transformed into a passion and calling. 

Lichatowich, 19 when he enlisted in the military, spent a year in Okinawa, Japan, and eight months aboard a ship in Southeast Asia before being stationed at Camp Pendleton, California. 

“The training was hard, but it was so much fun,” he said. “Being on a ship for months and undergoing training in different countries created strong bonds with people I served alongside and still keep in touch with.” 

He also credits the Marines for instilling discipline and an understanding of rank structure that later helped him thrive in policing. 

After leaving the military, Lt. Lichatowich used his GI Bill to earn a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from OSU. Drawn to criminal law over civil practice, he hoped to attend law school and become a prosecutor.  

While actively applying to law school, Lichatowich joined the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office on March 19, 1998, beginning a 28-year career that included assignments in river patrol, internal affairs, and patrol.

“I was awed by everyone I met who risked their safety for others and truly dedicated themselves to the job. I loved it so much I forgot all about law school.” 

Among his first mentors was former Law Enforcement Chief Deputy Pete VanDyke, who helped shape Lt. Lichatowich’s approach to service.  

“He was so nice but could keep you in line just by glaring at you,” He recalls with a smile. “Chief had two U.S. Medals of Valor and the men and women he led were proud to serve with him.” 

The same can be said of Lt. Lichatowich. Over his decades-long career he has set the bar high for those he has mentored.  

Lichatowich served for 16 years on East Metro SWAT (formerly known as the Gresham SERT Tactical Unit), a specialized, well‑trained unit equipped to handle high‑risk incidents beyond the capabilities of standard police response. The team includes Multnomah County sheriff’s deputies and Gresham Police officers, with members trained in crisis negotiation and drone operations. 

Lichatowich is also the last original member of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office’s Rapid Response Team, which was formed in 2003. Designed to establish and maintain public order, the RRT has deployed across the region and even out of state, including to protests in Vancouver, Wash. 

The team was critical in securing former President Barack Obama’s visit to Medford following the 2015 Umpqua Community College shooting — the deadliest mass shooting in our state’s history.  

“When he arrived at the airport there were about 200 protesters, some openly carrying firearms, gathered there to meet him. It was our job to maintain order,” Lichatowich said. 

In 2020, the team was activated for roughly 100 consecutive days at the Justice Center amid protests and civil unrest. 

On May 25, 2020, over 1,000 people gathered outside the Multnomah County Justice Center as part of nationwide demonstrations following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Some protesters broke windows, entering the Justice Center lobby and starting a fire, before being dispersed by responding law enforcement, including the RRT.  

“There were some nights I really worried we wouldn’t make it home,” he said. “We’d be outside, fully exposed to hundreds of people, while trying to secure the facility.” 

He later said dialogue liaison officers — now used by the Portland Police Bureau — were one of the most effective innovations to emerge from that tumultuous period. 

Lichatowich retired from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office as a sergeant on Dec. 30, 2023, but returned less than three months later when recruitment for lieutenant opened. He was rehired on March 19, 2024, first serving with detectives before moving to TriMet Transit Police in October 2025. 

He said the MCSO Detective Unit left a lasting impression, recalling their work on a local homicide case involving a suspicious vehicle and a meticulous eye for detail. The evidence the detectives gathered was enough to secure an arrest. 

“Our detectives are so brilliant,” he said. “They’re up for 24 to 48 consecutive hours gathering as much information as they can during that critical window of time following a major crime.” 

Now assigned to TriMet’s Transit Police, Lichatowich says the deputies’ dedication motivates him to stay in the job. 

“When I see the kind of work of our deputies and officers, I just want to help them,” he said. “They work so hard patrolling the transit system, self-initiating calls and writing their own warrants. They’re relentless.” 

He added that today’s calls are more dangerous than those early in his career. 

“When I was a deputy, it was rare to go to a call where someone was displaying a gun. Now, it happens regularly,” Lichatowich said. “They still respond without hesitation, no matter how dangerous the situation.” 

When asked what keeps him motivated despite the challenges inherent to police work, Lt. Lichatowich quotes his favorite scripture. 

“Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” 

It has been nearly thirty years since Lt. Lichatowich took his first public safety oath, yet he isn’t ready to hang up his uniform. 

“That’s my one dilemma. I don’t think the day will come where I will want to slow down,” he said. “I’ve got no plans to leave.” 

Lt. Lichatowich’s advice to prospective deputies is straightforward. 

“Embrace difficulty and be prepared for a serious challenge,” he said. “Doing hard things in life makes it all worthwhile.”