After the Deschutes County Commission appointed Kent Vander Kamp as Deschutes County Sheriff Wednesday, effective Jan. 1, Vander Kamp announced his new leadership team for his term in office.

The new team will include Aaron Wells as undersheriff, Mike Sundberg as patrol captain, Ty Rupert as detective captain, Mike Shults as corrections captain and William Bailey as administrative captain.

“These individuals bring a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to excellence. I am confident their leadership will inspire and support us as we work toward our shared goals,” Vander Kamp said.

Vander Kamp’s announcement came after sitting Sheriff Shane Nelson decided to retire at the end of this year rather than finishing out his term on Jan. 6. Vander Kamp’s appointment will only last five days — from Jan. 1 through Jan. 6 — and he will be sworn in as the elected sheriff as originally planned on Jan. 6.

Nelson told The Bulletin his decision to retire five days early was motivated by procedural rules regarding the Oregon Public Employee Retirement System.

Vander Kamp was elected sheriff Nov. 5 after a contentious campaign between him and Bailey, who is also a longtime sheriff’s office employee and was patrol captain under Nelson.