By Satina Tolman
For The New Era
For Officer Tye Moore, putting on the badge isn’t about authority; it’s about relationships.
The newest member of the Sweet Home Police Department to graduate from Police Academy, Moore is also deeply rooted in the community he now serves. A fifth-generation Sweet Home resident, Moore describes himself simply as “a big family guy” who loves his hometown.
“I’ve grown up here my entire life,” Moore said. “To be able to carry those relationships now in a different avenue is important.”
Moore graduated from Sweet Home High School in 2020, the COVID-19 year, joking that his class was the “senior skip day champions.” His interest in law enforcement started early, shaped both by the police officers he saw in movies and by a real-life influence closer to home.
Former school resource officer Sgt. Jeff Hamlin, who still serves with the department, made a lasting impression.
“I always thought he was kinda cool and I appreciated what he did for us,” Moore said. “It stuck with me.”
After graduation, Moore had to wait until he met the age requirement to apply. When the opportunity finally came, the timing felt right.
“When I was old enough to apply, luckily SHPD had a position and I felt like it was a good fit for me,” he said.
Moore was hired in July 2025 and graduated in November from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training academy. While the academy provided extensive preparation, he quickly learned that the real work begins on the street.
“You can train through all the scenarios and the different situations, but it’s different when it’s the real world and real people you’re trying to help,” Moore said. “That’s the biggest falloff: practice to application in the real world.”
One aspect of policing that especially resonates with him is de-escalation.
“I’ve always enjoyed watching how officers use their words and help console people who are in times of stress,” he said. “It is impressive to watch people use those skills to talk to people and just be human with them. I think that’s a very important part of the job.”
That philosophy aligns with the kind of officer Moore hopes to be.
“Just a kind one,” he said with a smile. “I am a typical happy fella. There is going to be conflict in a career like this, but I appreciate joy and happiness. If I can give that to other people and assist them, that’s the kind of officer I hope to be.”
Working in the town where he grew up brings its own dynamic. Moore frequently encounters people who have known him since childhood.
“Everybody likes to make jokes,” he said, laughing.
Still, he said his interactions with the public have largely been positive.
“I haven’t had very many negative interactions,” Moore said. “There are a few situations where people are more frustrated, but I haven’t had any problems.”
In a small town, he believes success in policing hinges on connection.
“In reality, most of a police officer’s job is to help fix problems and assist people when they are going through a rough time,” Moore said. “Building a solid relationship with the community, in my opinion, is the most important part of being a small-town cop.”
Trust, he added, starts with transparency: “Integrity. Just knowing what’s right and wrong, being straight up with people and being transparent,” Moore said. “Explaining the situation, explaining our process and what we need to do. That part of the job is really important.”
Moore wants residents to know the department’s intentions are straightforward.
“I’m here to help,” he said. “That’s everybody’s intention here: to help people on a tough day.”
Part of that help involves accountability. Police work, he said, requires both education and enforcement.
“People make mistakes, and some people make bigger mistakes than others,” Moore said. “It’s our job to make sure we are accountable. You can educate someone to help them stay out of trouble, or in some scenarios, you have to enforce the law.”
He encourages community members to adopt a “help-me-help-you” mindset.
“Give us a call if you have a problem,” Moore said. “If you’re worried about something, just let us know and we will do what we can to help.”
Outside of work, Moore enjoys hunting and football.
“I am a big hunter. I have been hunting most of my life. I have been a little busy lately, but I still enjoy it. I’m also a big football fan. I’m a Husky, I like the Beavers, and I am a big Steelers fan. They didn’t do too hot this year, but I am still a fan.”
For now, Moore says he is focused on learning and growing in his role. Law enforcement offers many career paths, but he isn’t in a hurry to move on.
“I enjoy training and learning; there is always more training to do,” he said. “I am pretty content with where I am right now.I just want to keep improving.”
Moore sees himself improving and growing, but not leaving. In 10 years he wants to still be serving the people of Sweet Home.
“Hopefully, here at the Sweet Home Police Department,” Moore said. “I see myself sticking around. Even though I have lived here my whole life, I really love this place.”
The best piece of advice he ever got was from a beloved family member, he said.
“My Nana always told me, ‘Don’t ever take away the opportunity for someone else to be kind. Don’t let the embarrassment or guilt get in the way. If someone is offering to do something kind for you, you shouldn’t take that opportunity for kindness away from them. Depending on the circumstances, allow them to help you.”
It’s a perspective he believes applies broadly, especially in tense times.
“There is a lot of turmoil in the world, a lot of frustrations and heated arguments,” Moore said. “But I think it’s important at the end of the day to be kind to your neighbor. You don’t necessarily have to agree with one another to be kind and lend a hand or have a conversation.”
As he begins his career, Moore hopes that simple approach defines his work and reassures the community he grew up calling home.
“Be friendly,” he said. “There’s no reason not to.”