The Green Hornet

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Holiday 2014
 
  
In this issue
Sheriff's Message
Fall Awards
K-9 Varro Retirement
Roadside Dedication Follow Up
Transitional School Party
Race for the Cure
Tip A Cop
MCSO Benevolent Fund
Polar Plunge
Cyber Security
Holiday Toy Drive

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Five Years of Accomplishments

Sheriff Staton
Sheriff Dan Staton 
As we plan for the holidays, I reflect back on all of our accomplishments. What we have done is something each of us can be proud of. Our agency has gone through some troubled times for many years. Integrity, pride and a sense of accomplishment were all but gone. There was a time when some would say they were embarrassed to be seen in our uniform in public. I want you to know that over the past five years we have come together and took on the true challenge of growth and change. New ideas were forged and we all became part of and worked together on those ideas to make them realities. Before I list out some of our accomplishments I want to thank all of you.

 

The first steps taken were to restore dialogue with the Board of County Commissioners. As well as establishing a connection for them to our public safety system. This included monthly meetings with our command members and the Board Staff. Once this process was underway, we began working with the Chair, Board and the public to restructure our budgeting process to better match up with our operational accountability. In the end, we presented clear transparency which both the Chair and the public were willing to believe and accept as factual.

 

As we moved into the first year, there was an agency-wide reduction in command members and the assignments. This resulted in the restructure of our organizational chart agency wide. This process brought us back into focus regarding our goals for the Office of Sheriff. The direction was given to form a multi-agency and citizens involved Corrections Grand Jury Reporting workgroup to analyze Grand Jury recommendations and an implementation process. This resulted in better dialogue with our District Attorney's Office and improved Grand Jury Reports each proceeding year thereafter.

 

We as an agency renewed our ties to the community we serve. Some of these include the Citizens Crime Commission, faith based community groups and the Save Our Sheriffs Group. This reconnect in fact preserved the Office of Sheriff during the Charter Review, when we nearly moved from an elected Sheriff to an Appointed Sheriff. 

 

In short, we have created more cost efficient processes in training, our Civil Hearings process, sustainability programs etc., that we have reapplied funds to sustain our existing budget and programs to reflect no agency layoffs during the past five years. Cost savings has also afforded our ability to introduce Tasers and other defensive tools to agency staff, along with other assets to improve our ability to protect our staff and the public we serve.

 

This Office is actively involved with the Oregon State Sheriff's Association and the State of Oregon at many levels. We have participated in an aggressive legislative agenda. We have formed key partnerships with lobbies that have resulted in key legislative direction at resources to ensure funding for local supervision and sanctioning of offenders.

 

There is so much we have to do together. We still have to maintain the consistency of a stabilized budget. We have to complete our programs such as the Jail Kiosks; Hansen Building relocation; Troutdale Police Department consolidation; etc.. We can only maintain the progress of this agency together. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication; we truly are a success together.

 

Sheriff Dan Staton

 Fall 2014 Sheriff's Office Awards

MCSO Honor Guard Opens Awards Ceremony

 

On November 12, 2014 the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office held its Semi-Annual Awards Ceremony to honor those who have provided exemplary service in their duties and to the community.

 

 

Among the awards presented this year were thirteen life-saving awards along with a Citation, a Community Service Award and a Distinguished Service Award. One of the highlights of the awards ceremony involved several Life-Saving Awards presented for a life-saving rescue of an MCSO Search and Rescue team member who suffered a heart attack during search operations for a lost hiker in July of 2014 above Multnomah Falls.
 

 

 

 

The medical emergency occurred just as the search team established audio contact with a lost hiker. 16-year-old MCSO SAR Team Leader Bibi Powers-McCormack radioed the MCSO Command Post and advised they had a team member down and unconscious. She advised they were performing the ABC's (Airway, Breathing, and Circulation) and requested an automated external defibrillator (AED). The team members communicated to the lost hiker and instructed him to stay where he was as they cared for their fallen team member. MCSO SAR Coordinator Detective Yandell requested code 3 medical and an AED to the location as he relayed information from the SAR Team to the Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) on the condition of the SAR Member. Detective Yandell ran up the trail with the AED and relayed it to a SAR team member coming down to expedite the AED up the trail to the team.

 

Colin Klein arrived with the AED as SAR Members Ryan Summers and Alan Favier continued to rotate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) duties on the SAR subject. The SAR subject was losing color and had sporadic, forced breaths. Alan Favier and Bibi Powers-McCormack advised several times that they had difficulty finding a pulse. After the AED was initiated it performed two shock cycles, then at least six or seven non-shock advisements as they continued to care for their fallen team member.

 

Sergeant Bryan White and Troutdale Police Officer Jeremy Costello arrived and headed up the trail to assist in caring for the SAR member. Sergeant White requested Life Flight respond to the I-84 parking lot at Multnomah Falls which had been secured as a landing zone.

 

Sergeant White relieved SAR team members Alan Favier and Ryan Summers entering into the CPR rotation until American Medical Response and Corbett Fire members arrived to transport the subject down the trail to Life Flight. The SAR member was transported to a trauma center and survived and made a full recovery due to the team effort of all of these individuals.

 

As the SAR member was being readied for transport down the trail, other members of the SAR team located the lost hiker they had audio contact with. The hiker was grateful to be found, and was in good condition. The team escorted the hiker down the trail after the SAR member was transported down the trail to the waiting Life Flight helicopter.

 

Sgt Kendall receives the Distinguish Service Award

Congratulations to all of our Award recipients who serve in many different aspects of the Sheriff's Office, consistently producing exemplary work to create a safe and more livable community.

 

 

MCSO K9 Varro honored as he retires from service

 

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) celebrated MCSO Patrol K9 Varro's retirement from service with MCSO on September 11, 2014. MCSO K9 Deputy Varro started his career with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office in October of 2005 after arriving in Portland from Germany. He was assigned to MCSO Patrol Deputy Todd Weber at the age of 16 months and served his whole career with Deputy Weber.

 

Varro's exemplary career started by completing a required 400 hours of Basic K-9 classes and passing the Oregon Police Canine Association certification standards. Varro ended his service with his last assignment after a K-9 demonstration at the Kidney Kids Camp entertaining kids fighting through kidney disease.

 

Varro's career statistics include 985 Calls for Service, 123 captures, 172 assisted apprehensions and numerous evidence finds and retrievals. He has participated in over a hundred public appearances and demonstrations at schools and community events. In addition, Varro has deployed with several specialty units including the East Metro SWAT Team, US Marshal Service, PPB SWAT Team and Clackamas County SWAT. Varro has also assisted several other agencies in the metropolitan area when called upon with his handler K9 Deputy Weber including Clackamas County, Hood River County, Clark County and Washington County.

 

 

 

Varro's contributions aided in making the communities of Multnomah County a safer place to live. The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office thanks Varro for his exemplary service.

 

 

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Roadside Memorial Dedicated  

 

  

Sheriff Staton and Chief Deputy Gates

 

On Thursday September 4, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office hosted a roadside memorial dedication ceremony at Fairview City Hall in Fairview, OR. At the dedication ceremony a roadside memorial sign was unveiled honoring the memory and ultimate sacrifice of Reserve Sergeant Scott Collins and Reserve Deputy Mark Whitehead who lost their lives on February 26, 1993.

 

On February 26, 1993 Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) Reserve Sergeant Scott Collins and Reserve Deputy Mark Whitehead were on routine patrol in a marked patrol car traveling eastbound on I-84 near 207th Ave. A driver in the inside lane of I-84 traveling westbound lost control of his vehicle, hit the grass median strip and flew into the eastbound lanes. The undercarriage of his vehicle sheared off the top of the MCSO patrol vehicle, killing Reserve Sgt. Scott Collins and Reserve Deputy Mark Whitehead instantly. The driver of the vehicle had a blood alcohol content over .20 percent.

 

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard did a formal presentation of colors and MCSO Deputy Jonelle Olsewzki sang the National Anthem to open the dedication ceremony. Current MCSO Chaplain Ed Stelle led the invocation for the ceremony. Chaplain Stelle has been a police chaplain for over fifty years and was also serving as the MCSO Chaplain the night Reserve Sgt. Collins and Reserve Dep. Whitehead were killed. Chaplain Stelle shared his memories of Sgt. Collins and Dep. Whitehead, including meeting with the families of both the night they died.

 

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Undersheriff Tim Moore provided a brief history of how the Oregon Roadside Memorial program started in 2011. Undersheriff Moore went on to describe the efforts of Sheriff Staton and others involved in authoring the memorial proposal and carrying it through in the Oregon House and Senate which resulted in the passage of House Concurrent Resolution 202 to make the memorial honoring Sgt. Scott Collins and Dep. Mark Whitehead possible.

 

Representative Chris Gorsek, Representative Greg Matthews and Senator Louise Monnes-Anderson thanked the family for letting them sponsor the bill and support it through the House and Senate process and presented the families with a framed signed copy of House Concurrent Resolution 202. Mary Nunnenkamp, Chair of the Oregon Law Enforcement Trust Fund talked about the Oregon Fallen Badge License Plate program and Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) involvement in honoring fallen Oregon Police Officers and providing support for families of fallen officers.

 

Jim Whitehead, the surviving father of MCSO Reserve Mark Whitehead, thanked the Sheriff's Office and Oregon Legislature representatives on behalf of the Whitehead and Collins families for their support in the approval process for the roadside memorial and honoring their memory. 

 

 

Collie Collins, Dawn Waddington, Scott Waddington, Mikael Waddington, Gerrie Collins,

Jim Whitehead, Matthew Whitehead

 

Multnomah County Sheriff Dan Staton thanked everyone for attending the dedication ceremony and for honoring the memories of both Sgt. Scott Collins and Dep. Mark Whitehead. Sheriff Staton shared a very personal account detailing his memories of working with both Sgt. Collins and Dep. Whitehead earlier in his career and how they were such an important part of the Sheriff's Office family. He shared his memories of the time surrounding that tragic night and further explained how reserve deputies are an integral part of almost every law enforcement agency.  He spoke of their dedication and professionalism, and how it exemplified the MCSO tradition of providing exemplary service to the community.  In closing, he stated that they will be forever missed.

 

Retired Sheriff Bob Skipper, who was serving as Multnomah County Sheriff when Sgt. Collins and Dep. Whitehead were killed, shared memories of both men and his personal account of that night.  

 

The dedication ceremony was very well attended with several COPS members coming to show support for the families of Sgt. Collins and Dep. Whitehead. In addition, elected officials and several law enforcement representatives from area agencies including Troutdale Chief of Police Scott Anderson and Fairview Chief of Police Ken Johnson attended the dedication ceremony joining members of the community at the ceremony.

 

Sheriff Staton and Chief Deputy Jason Gates marked the end of the ceremony by unveiling the memorial sign for Sgt. Scott Collins and Dep. Mark Whitehead for the families to see. Everyone in attendance gave a standing ovation to the families of Sgt. Scott Collins and Dep. Mark Whitehead when the memorial sign was unveiled.

 

Oregon Department of Transportation crews installed the memorial sign September 5, 2014 along I-84 near where Sgt. Scott Collins and Res. Dep. Mark Whitehead lost their lives. The sign will serve as a reminder of the dangers of drinking and driving and forever honor the memory of Reserve Sgt. Scott Collins and Reserve Dep. Mark Whitehead

 

 

 

MCSO brings holiday cheer to students from Community Transitional School

 

 

Capt. Adgers Welcomes Guest and kick's off the festivities

For the 26th year in a row, the Sheriff's Office hosted a holiday party for the school children from the Community Transitional School on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at the Multnomah County Inverness Jail. Over 80 children from the Transitional School were treated to a fun, festive holiday party with entertainment provided by BJ the Clown, pizza provided by Gateway Izzy's and drinks and snacks provided by Aramark and the Keizer Elks Lodge.

Student Enjoying the Show

 

 

The party started with the MCSO Honor Guard bringing the colors in led by MCSO's own MCSO bagpiper. The Wilson High School Leadership Group presented a $1,000 check to the Community Transitional School from a grant they received and were joined by MCSO staff as they led the children in a holiday carol. Multnomah County Sheriff Dan Staton cheerfully swore the children in as junior deputies to get the party underway. The children enjoyed a clown show and pizza lunch as they eagerly awaited a very special guest appearance by Santa. After Santa arrived he talked with each child and they received a photo with him as they went on to open their presents. Along with their gifts this year, each child was also given a brand new pair of shoes.

 

 

Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury was unable to attend due to a conflict. She sent along her and other County Commissioners support for the Community Transitional School holiday party, and the message of hope and giving it sends this season as it brightens a child's holiday.

Wilson High Leadership Group

 

The Community Transitional School's mission is to provide Kindergarten through 8th grade education to the children of families who are homeless, in transition and experiencing poverty related crises. The holiday mission of the Sheriff's Office for the past 25 years has been to provide the schoolchildren of the Community Transitional School a place where Santa can come with clothing and toys for these at-risk youth and the children can enjoy a fun and positive experience during the holidays. This is an event, and an opportunity, to give much needed love and support to these children, and a boost toward breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness that is their norm. For more information, contact the Community Transitional School at 503-249-8582.

 

 MCSO Supports Race for the Cure
 
MCSO Strike Team for the Cure

Members of the "Sheriff's Strike Team for the Cure" participated in the Komen Race for the Cure fun run/walk on September 21, 2014. The goal of the Race is to increase awareness and education about breast health and breast cancer, celebrate survivorship and raise funds for breast cancer education, research, advocacy and health services.

 

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure series of 5k runs and fitness walks attracts people of all ages and fitness levels. Since it started in 1983, the Komen Race for the Cure series has grown from one race with 800 people in Dallas to a global series of more than 140 Races with 1.5 million people making an impact worldwide.

 

Since 2010 the Sheriff's Office has formed a team each year to participate in the Race for the Cure occurring in late September. This year's team was made up of twenty individuals from the Sheriff's Office family and a great time was had by all.

 

If you would like to become part of the "2015 Sheriff's Strike Team for the Cure" look for announcements this summer as the team begins recruiting for the next Race for the Cure event!

 

 

'Tip a Cop' raises nearly $3,000 for Special Olympics Oregon

 

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office partnered with Red Robin to raise money for Special Olympics Oregon as part of the national Tip-A-Cop event that took place at Red Robin locations across the country benefitting Special Olympics on Saturday October 11, 2014.

 

Members from the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office spent the day as "celebrity wait staff" and assisted Red Robin staff as they served Red Robin guests to support and raise money for Special Olympics Oregon. Over an eight hour period more than twenty MCSO staff volunteered their time to participate in the annual fundraiser. Special Olympics Oregon athletes also made guest appearances and helped greet customers as they arrived at Red Robin.

 

Throughout the event, MCSO staff assisted in service and interacted with customers as they let them know about Special Olympics Oregon and the athletes and activities they support. Tips that were received went directly to Special Olympics Oregon and help provide training and competition opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

 

Tip-A-Cop is part of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run(R) (LETR) campaign. LETR, which includes an international series of relay runs and special events like Tip-A-Cop, is presented by more than 144,000 law enforcement officers worldwide to help raise money and public awareness for Special Olympics. LETR is the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics through which funds raised go directly to local programs in states or countries where the funds are generated.

Founded in 1972, Special Olympics Oregon is a year-round program offering 14 different Olympic-style sports to athletes with intellectual disabilities. Throughout the state of Oregon, over 8,000 athletes participate in Special Olympics. Competing in sports allows athletes to gain self-confidence, social competency and other enhanced skills. 
 
 

MCSO Benevolent Fund

 

The MCSO Employee Benevolent Fund (EBF) group was formed in February 1994 by MCSO employees  for the purpose of receiving funds for charitable purposes in times of emergencies.  

 

The EBF Board of Directors has representatives from each of the Unions and determines if a person is eligible to receive a charitable gift based on demonstrated need. Such need includes an unforeseen or unavoidable injury, illness, or loss to the person or to a member of the person's immediate family.  

 

Eligible persons include current or retired employees of MCSO or the Health Department Corrections Health Division, a surviving spouse, children or other designated beneficiary of a deceased person or a volunteer in good standing.

 

Resources for charitable gifts are received primarily from contributions made by employees of the Sheriff's Office and Corrections Health. Payroll deductions are available for those employees wishing to contribute as little as $1 per pay period.  Your contribution to the Employee Benevolent Fund can directly impact a co-worker in need.

 

If you are interested in supporting the Benevolent Fund, checks can also be made payable to MCSO Benevolent Fund and mailed to:

 

MCSO Benevolent Fund

503 SE Hawthorne Blvd Suite 350

Portland, OR 97220

  

 

 

2015 Polar Plunge and/or 5K Fun Run/Walk for Special Olympics Oregon Saturday February 28, 2015

 

In 2014, MCSO All Stars recruited 50 team members and raised over $6000.00 for Special Olympics Oregon.

 

The 2015 team is now recruiting for new members for the upcoming polar plunge, to participate as part of the MCSO All Stars Team and for more information visit the Polar Plunge site at plungeoregon.com.

 

Once again this year, Multnomah County Sheriff's Office also has a member participating in the Super Plunge in the hours leading up to the Polar Plunge! FSO Jennifer Lindstrand is representing MCSO in the Super Plunge and is working to raise $3,000 to plunge into the frigid waters of the Columbia River every hour for 24 hours leading up to kickoff the Polar Plunge.

 

To help support FSO Jennifer Lindstrand as she takes on the Super Plunge please visit her Super Plunge page at http://pdxplunge.kintera.org/jensicle

 

Retired Major Jim Turney and Super Plunger Hopeful FSO Jennifer Lindstrand

 

 

Special Olympics Oregon serves the largest disability population in the state and this year they will celebrate their 40th Anniversary. Special Olympics Oregon provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. Special Olympics Oregon is Training for Life. Additional information can be found at www.soor.org.

 

 

 

 

 

Cyber Security

Security Reminder about smartphone applications

Annually the Center for Internet Security publishes reminders and tips as part of Cyber Security Awareness month, held each October.  With the ever expanding market of smartphones and applications to provide information, perform online banking or purchase of goods and services, it is important to also remain cautious and exercise good habits with your usage.


One of the biggest risks today are the free guest wireless networks that many coffee shops and other retailers provide for you use while at their location.  While the speed and convenience is nice, there are also risks associated with using these services.  Use good web surfing habits while using these services.  Do not allow your phone to automatically store passwords to your online services and when possible wait to do your online banking until you are on a more private network or use your smartphone data plan to buy those gifts or pay your bills online.

Troutdale Police/Multnomah County Sheriff's 2014 Holiday Toy Drive a Huge Success

 

Troutdale Police Department and Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Annual Holiday Toy Drive had a record year this year. A variety of MCSO deputies, Auxiliary Services Unit, Citizen's Patrol and Troutdale PD members volunteered over the three weekends supporting toy drive efforts along with the Troutdale Public Safety Advisory Committee. Over 250 large bags of toys were collected during the toy drive. In addition, thirteen families covering 35 children were also given assistance through $2500.00 in community member cash donations and a $2500.00 grant from Walmart.

 

Staff and volunteers educate shoppers about the Toy Drive

 

Each year, the Troutdale Police Department and Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Toy Drive is organized and supported by the Troutdale Public Safety Advisory Committee, in partnership with Wood Village Walmart. Although we have enjoyed great success in years past, this year was exceptional. The toys and items collected in this drive are distributed to children of families with less fortunate means in East Multnomah County. Through SnowCap and Human Solutions an estimated 1500 children will receive toys this year.

 

Every year during the toy drive, both law enforcement personnel and citizen volunteers, have a great time and very much appreciate the positive interaction we have with the communities we serve.

  

More Stories on the News Link on www.mcso.us!

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