Kacey grew up in Nyssa, Oregon, where he hunted, fished, and rode motorcycles. But he became a troubled youth and spent time in a boys’ home. After a promise to his grandfather, Kacey turned his life around, returned to high school, graduated and began pursuing a better future.
When the Gulf War broke out, Kacey enlisted in the U.S. Army. After his service, he returned to college to study music and recording technology. When funding for that program ended, he was left floundering for direction. His mother worked in the office at the local police department, and an officer encouraged him and offered a ride-along. That ride-along lit a fire in Kacey. He applied and was hired as a corrections officer and also volunteered as a reserve police officer. His troubled youth made it difficult to get hired as police officer, but eventually a small Oregon police agency took a chance and hired him as a patrol officer.
Kacey’s ability to connect with people—especially those who were hurting—was a great asset in his career. His life experiences enabled him to relate to the troubled and traumatized, helping them turn pain into purpose.
Early in his career, Kacey discovered his love to teach others, and he became an instructor at the Oregon Department of Public Safety, training countless new officers in defensive tactics, search warrants, and investigative work. He had a passion for martial arts, and he served on the SWAT team and later specialized in major crimes and digital forensics, helping bring justice in child abuse cases, homicides, and violent crimes.
In 2009, while working patrol for Pendleton Police Department in Oregon, Kacey began feeling ill. What began as flu-like symptoms spiraled into a series of medical crises and during the next year he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and chronic kidney disease. He also had several medical procedures in an effort to diagnose the underlying issue, which remained elusive. At his lowest point, his partner was helping him carry his gear out to his patrol vehicle every day, because he was so weak.
Despite surgeries, pain and side effects from medication, Kacey was determined to continue working. Doctors encouraged him to retire. He was devastated, thinking the career he loved was over.
But in 2011, the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office recruited him as a detective, saving his career. The job allowed Kacey to continue in law enforcement career doing investigations, while removing him from the day to day grind of patrol.
By 2012, doctors were able to find a medication that stabilized him, got him back on his feet and gave some of his energy back. Kacey spent the remainder of his career as a major crime detective.
In 2014 Kacey was in a motorcycle crash, which nearly took his right arm, ruptured a kidney, ruptured his spleen and broke a hip. Multiple surgeries were required and he had to stop taking his immune suppressant drugs. His kidney function dropped to 9%, and he started peritoneal dialysis—doing treatments at home each night while still working criminal cases during the day.
In 2020 Kacey married Sterrin. “We were colleagues and friends for years,” she said. “He was someone I could argue with, but still admire and respect. He is a great detective, but he is an even better man and husband.”
Kacey retired in 2022. He still works part-time doing background investigations for the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office—from his kitchen table with his boxer named Axel. He regularly watches his grandkids during the week, and cooks dinner while his wife works full-time at the Sheriff’s Office. He and Sterrin have six adult children between them, and they just welcomed their 10th grandchild in July 2025. They lead a weekly Bible study and enjoy music and family.
Kacey’s kidney function is steadily declining. And he is exhausted, in constant pain, and naps throughout the day. Yet he still finds the strength to care for others. Now, he needs a kidney transplant to regain his energy and keep living this beautiful, meaningful life.
Kacey, now 53, has spent a lifetime giving—fighting for victims, lifting others up, and leading with heart. It is difficult for him to ask for help. He is much more comfortable doing what he’s been doing his whole life -- jumping in when others need assistance.
