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Welcome to the September 2014 Portland Police Bureau Awards Ceremony. I’m

Sergeant Pete Simpson and I have the honor and privilege of being your emcee for

today’s event.

I would ask you to please rise as the Portland Police Bureau’s Honor Guard

presents the colors. We will then recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

When you hear the call to “present arms”, uniformed personnel should render a

salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in

uniform may render the military salute. Non-uniformed personnel and members of

the public should stand at attention with your hand over your heart.

PRESENT COLORS – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Thank you. You may be seated.

Today, we’ll be honoring Bureau members, people from our partner agencies and

community members for their dedication and service to the City of Portland, in the

finest traditions of the Police Bureau.

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We’d like to thank the Snowman Foundation, including its founder, Michael Allen

Harrison, Manager, Amy Johnson and pianist, Hailey Rowden, for the music

today. Hailey, who has studied under Michael Allen Harrison, became a piano

teacher at age 12 and has shared her talents by instructing both privately and as a

volunteer.

The Snowman Foundation's mission is to provide opportunity for kids to play

music. The partnership with the Portland Police Bureau allows us to work together

as partners and serve the community in a positive and proactive way.

Make sure you stop by the lobby and find out more about this organization and

how you can help.

We have a few special guests in the audience today who I would like to recognize: 1.____________________________ 2. ____________________________ 3. ____________________________ 4. ____________________________ 5. ____________________________

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And now I’d like to introduce Mayor and Police Commissioner, Charlie Hales

MAYOR SPEAKS

Thank you, Mayor. Chief Mike Reese will now say a few words.

CHIEF MIKE REESE SPEAKS

Thank you, Chief.

As you will learn in today’s ceremony, we are honoring tremendous acts of

bravery, innovative work and building relationships. We’d like to start with a short

video today. The idea originated with Diane Haman of the Chief’s Office, who

coordinated getting photos from Bureau members—not an easy task! And it was

created by Marshall Santos of the Bureau’s Communications Unit.

VIDEO GOES HERE

And now it’s time to present the awards. As I call your names, please come on to

the stage to receive your award. Please hold all applause until all the people

receiving an award are on stage.

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CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION

Mr. Grygoriy “George” Fakashchuk

George is employed by PHC and currently assigned to the maintenance of East

Precinct. East Precinct serves a large population from the Slavic community and

on more than one occasion, George has assisted officers with translation needs for

investigations.

George is always willing to help, and often offers his assistance without being

asked. George has translated phone calls received by the front desk and comforted

victims or complainants while they wait for officers to arrive. George's positive

attitude and pleasant demeanor quickly build rapport and make officers’ jobs easier

when conducting interviews.

In December 2013, all non-essential personnel were not required to work because

of hazardous winter conditions. Knowing that officers would still need assistance

and the precinct still needed to be attended to, George responded to work to ensure

the entrances and exits were clear of ice and snow and the much-needed supplies

were stocked for all shifts.

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George continually goes above and beyond his job duties to assist the community

and the officers of East Precinct.

George, for all your continued efforts to assist officers and the community, you are

hereby awarded the Portland Police CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION.

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UNIT COMMENDATION

North Precinct Neighborhood Response Team

In the summer of 2013, North Precinct began a focused effort to proactively improve

the livability of the Northeast Cully and Killingsworth area. Police calls for service

were disproportionately high in this neighborhood, especially around the Arbor

Mobile Home Park. The park was generating more than 2,000 calls for service a

year.

North Precinct wanted to help this extremely diverse community without alienating

the people in which they were trying to serve. Patrol officers began forming and

strengthening community relationships and North Precinct’s Neighborhood

Response Team was tasked to help solve long-term chronic livability and drug

issues in the area. The team identified several park residents involved in narcotics

sales and over the course of six months, the Neighborhood Response Team served

five search warrants at various locations inside the park. They made

approximately 23 arrests and seized more than a pound of heroin. The team was

able to use the arrests to help the owner acknowledge the impact the park was

having on the neighborhood, and he agreed to help make the park more community

friendly.

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However, the park was sold a short time later and Neighborhood Response Team

officers worked with the new owners to ensure a positive and systematic change

occurred in the park. The new owners provided professional and community-

oriented management, and families began to feel safe again. There has been an

overwhelming positive change in the park that community members still enjoy.

Neighborhood Response Team officers were not finished, however. They

continued to trace the source of narcotics sales, which was attracting individuals

who were preying on the local community. They used this information to serve

five search warrants simultaneously in the Cully and Killingsworth Neighborhood.

Ten people were arrested and more than $10,000 of narcotics money was seized.

The concentrated effort by the North Precinct Neighborhood Response Team,

along with the patrol officers and their community outreach efforts, has made a

positive and sustainable impact on this community.

The North Precinct Neighborhood Response Team is hereby awarded the Portland

Police Bureau UNIT COMMENDATION MEDAL.

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COMMENDATION MEDAL

Officer Carlos Ibarra

On the afternoon of Sunday, July 13th, 2014, Officer Carlos Ibarra responded to a

call regarding a homeless family who needed food and place to stay. The family,

who had seven kids, had driven back to Portland from Arizona, when things did

not work out for the family in that state.

Speaking little English, and hoping they might see someone they knew, the family

went back to the house they used to live in. The house was empty, and with

nowhere to go, the family called police, but the dispatcher was unable to

understand the family due to the language barrier.

Officer Ibarra responded and knew the family needed assistance. It was extremely

hot outside and the family could not survive on the streets or in their car. He spent

hours trying to call local shelters, but since it was a weekend, he could not contact

anyone. He started calling local motels and finally found one that would take the

family for $70. Officer Ibarra paid for the room personally.

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Since the family had not eaten, Officer Ibarra then brought food from the Portland

Police Bureau's Sunshine Division. The children started opening cans and eating,

without even stopping to warm up the soup.

An anonymous person called a local news channel that featured Officer Ibarra on

their newscast and a local church stepped forward to assist the family.

Let’s take a look at the newscast.

VIDEO GOES HERE

Officer Ibarra, your compassion will undoubtedly not be forgotten by the family

involved or the community who heard of your efforts. You are hereby awarded the

Portland Police COMMENDATION MEDAL.

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ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL

Sergeant Kristina Jones;

Officers Michelle Boer, Ryan Bren, Jorge Mendoza, Rashida Saunders, Dave

Thoman, Eric Zajac and Anthony Zoeller and

Office of Neighborhood Involvement Crime Prevention Coordinator Sara

Hussein

The Youth Engagement Project was originally created by officers assigned to the

New Columbia detail, and its goals were to engage the community in meaningful

relationships through positive interactions, while at the same time addressing

livability issues created from criminal activity.

North Precinct asked for volunteers to recreate and implement this program in the

Cully Neighborhood. The Neighborhood Response Team addressed much of the

chronic nuisance activity.

Sergeant Kristina Jones took the lead and coordinated with the Office of

Neighborhood Involvement’s Sara Hussein, to begin the community engagement

component last fall at Los Jardines apartments. The program involved weekly

projects with 3rd to 5th grade school kids, including cleaning and painting the

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apartment basketball court, picking up garbage and removing graffiti from the play

structure, and different arts and crafts projects.

Officers Dave Thoman and Jorge Mendoza worked with the kids, making lasting

relationships and positive impacts on the youth involved. Officers Eric Zajac,

Anthony Zoeller, and Rashida Saunders all made multiple appearances and built

rapport with the community.

Sara Hussein procured paint for the basketball court and tickets for a local play,

planned events and crafts, and even helped communicate with community

members to get support to send the kids to a community play. With Sara's help, the

officers were able to engage with the kids in a fun and positive manner.

Throughout the project, children demonstrated pride and ownership in their living

space and encouraged others to do the same. Parents and younger children also

tried to involve themselves and support the participants. There were a number of

conversations where some of the children problem solved with the officers about

issues plaguing them, such as bullying. These conversations helped the kids by

providing some options and tools that also helped them to connect with safe adults

if the need arose.

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At the end of the eight-week program, Officer Thoman helped connect families in

need with holiday food boxes from the Portland Police Sunshine Division, and

coordinated the food box event in a short timeframe.

The next Youth Engagement program was conducted at Harvey Scott Elementary

School and was organized by Officer Ryan Bren with the assistance of Sara

Hussein. This program was different in that it was conducted out of the school

rather than at an apartment complex. The program ran for three months, and

concluded with a trip to OMSI. Officer Bren worked tirelessly to coordinate and

implement the new format, while Sara assisted with weekly activity planning;

provided various forms and templates for enrollment and helped coordinate field

trip activities. Officers Boer, Thoman and Mendoza worked weekly with the kids

and were field trip chaperones.

The last program was supervised by Officer Mendoza at the Mariposa apartment

complex last spring. Officers Thoman and Zajac assisted along with Sara Hussein.

Sergeant Kristina Jones; Officers Michelle Boer, Ryan Bren, Jorge Mendoza,

Rashida Saunders, Dave Thoman, Eric Zajac and Anthony Zoeller and Crime

Prevention Coordinator Sara Hussein, for your enhancing community trust by

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building relationships with local youth, you have made a tremendous impact on

communities that often feel alienated or under-served by police. You are hereby

awarded the Portland Police ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL.

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ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL

Officers Ryan Foote and Travis Law;

COMMENDATION MEDAL:

Sergeant Jose Gonzalez, Assistant United States Attorney Scott Kerin; Special

Agent Scott McGeachy; Dr. Valerie Frie

UNIT COMMENDATION:

Metro Gang Task Force

In January of 2013, the Metro Gang Task Force began noticing a pattern of

violence associated with the Woodlawn Park Bloods and the Loc’d Out Piru’s

gang sets. These two gang sets have long been established as violent criminal

organizations that are involved in narcotics trafficking and other criminal activity

that has negative impacts on local neighborhoods and our community.

Task Force Officers Travis Law and Ryan Foote became the lead investigators and

for the first few months, with the assistance of Dr. Valerie Frie, an Investigative

Operations Analyst for the FBI, began background investigations on multiple gang

members. Additionally, all the Metro Gang Task Force Members led by Sergeant

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Gonzalez began extensive intelligence gathering in an effort to help identify a

pattern of criminal activities and the source of financial support.

This investigation determined the gangs were gaining a significant financial gain

from an organized illegal drug sales network that included the sale of cocaine,

crack cocaine and other controlled substances. Investigators discovered that

associates of these two gangs also accounted for a significant amount of violent

crimes in the Portland area.

Metro Gang Task Force members began conducting intensive physical surveillance

while Dr. Frie was undertaking a full analysis of the organizations.

Officers Law and Foote were able to identify the leaders of the two gangs, and

learned they were associated with a high number of shootings, assaults, robberies

and intimidation. The leaders were distributing narcotics to lower members in

their organization for sale on the street level.

For the next six months, members of the Task Force conducted an intensive

investigation and learned money laundering activities were also being committed

by those in this organization. IRS Special Agent Scott McGeachy joined the

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investigation and provided a financial investigative arm. Special Agent McGeachy

began locating multiple incidents of money laundering and found hidden assets

owned by the gang leaders.

Investigators were able to identify up to sixty different persons involved in the

criminal gang organizations and their illegal activities, and solved multiple crimes,

including assaults, stabbings, shootings, robberies, illegal possession of firearms,

narcotic trafficking and human trafficking cases.

In January of this year, members of the Metro Gang Task Force, with assistance of

multiple surrounding agencies, conducted a series of federal and state search

warrants. A total of 26 people were arrested and indicted on multiple criminal acts;

more than 8 kilos of cocaine, 15 firearms and more than $275,000 was seized.

For your unwavering dedication in leading this large-scale case that resulted in

solving multiple crimes, reducing drug trafficking and crippling the leadership of

violent gang sets, Officers Ryan Foote and Travis Law, you are hereby awarded

the Portland Police ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL.

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Sergeant Jose Gonzalez, for your work leading this team to a successful resolution

in this year-long investigation; Special Agent Scott McGeachy for your extensive

work investigating the financial gain of this criminal activity; Dr. Valerie Frie, for

your exhaustive work analyzing and identifying information related to these gangs

that required hours of intensive scrutiny; and Assistant United States Attorney

Scott Kerin, for the hundreds of hours of your time as the assigned attorney on this

case that will also include court proceedings for years to come—you are all hereby

awarded the Portland Police COMMENDATION MEDAL.

To the members of the Metro Gang Task Force, you all played significant roles

during the 14 months this case took from beginning to end. This complex

investigation took an entire team effort. You are hereby awarded the Portland

Police UNIT COMMENDATION MEDAL.

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ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL

Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Kerin, Michelle Kerin;

Special Agents Karen Cunningham and Ronnie Walker and

Mr. Jessie Parnell

In late 2010, Portland Police Detectives began an investigation involving a theft of

high-end diamonds from Margulis Jewelers, located in downtown Portland. A

suspect was identified, who lived near Charlotte, North Carolina. During the

course of the investigation, Detectives learned there were several co-conspirators

who committed numerous diamond thefts, which included armed-robberies, across

the United States.

As the investigation grew, the Detectives presented the case to Assistant United

States Attorney Scott Kerin, and Special Agents Ronnie Walker and Karen

Cunningham. A federal investigation was opened, and Special Agent Cunningham

authored a search warrant for the residence of the suspect in command of the

diamond heist crew. The suspect, and other key commanders were arrested as a

result.

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In July 2011, Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Kerin and Michelle Kerin

and Special Agent Cunningham presented the case to a Federal Grand Jury. This

resulted in five people being indicted.

As the investigation continued, Detectives then learned of money laundering by

two businesses in Florida as well an attempted murder plot, involving one of the

suspects. Special Agent Walker played an instrumental role in building a

prosecutable case against the person involved in the attempt murder plot, and she

pled guilty and was sentenced to prison.

Meanwhile, Special Agent Cunningham was able to obtain a search warrant for the

business buying the stolen diamonds from the thieves, which was located in

Philadelphia, as well as another store in New York. During this investigation,

Special Agent Walker became knowledgeable about the diamond trade, which

played a major role in further indictments and the pleas of all ten suspects and one

business.

Due to the complexity of this investigation, the FBI added an analyst, Mr. Jesse

Parnell, in order to organize the overwhelming amount of evidence. Mr. Parnell's

contributions to the investigation were countless, including the creation of a

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spreadsheet that captured the activities of the diamond heist group to include: theft

locations, participants involved, flights, vehicle rentals, bank transactions and

property stolen. The spreadsheet was eight feet in length and four feet wide, and

contained more than 325 activities over two years.

In January of this year, Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Kerin and Michelle

Kerin returned to the grand jury for a superseding indictment, which was true-

billed and included 137 counts.

As defendants started to express their interest in pleas, Assistant United States

Attorney Michelle Kerin and Mr. Parnell were tasked with establishing a

restitution list for all the diamonds stolen. This time-consuming task involved re-

contacting 28 victim stores in nine states for a total restitution amount of more than

$3 million. Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Kerin and Michelle Kerin

orchestrated plea negotiations with ten defendants and one corporation.

Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Kerin and Michelle Kerin; Special Agents

Karen Cunningham and Ronnie Walker and Mr. Jessie Parnell, for your extensive

work on this three-year investigation and case that was even referred to as “too

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complex” by a federal judge, you are hereby awarded the Portland Police

ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL.

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ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL

Lieutenant Jami Resch; Detective Cory Stenzel and

Sergeants Cathe Kent and Kathleen Lynch

As a member of the Portland Police Gun Task Force, Detective Cory Stenzel began

noticing a significant number of firearms seized from felons and active gang

members that could not be conclusively linked to the offender. These firearms

often were seized in traffic stops or after search warrants.

A successful prosecution depended on establishing a reliable link to the firearm

and the individual who possessed it. In cases where the offender failed to confess

to possessing the firearm, investigators often turned to analyzing the firearm for

fingerprints. Due to the fragility of prints and the care that needed to be taken to

avoid damaging the evidence, obtaining an identifiable print was an exceptional

occurrence.

Detective Stenzel consulted with the Oregon State Police Forensic Laboratory

regarding the idea of using touch DNA analysis to include firearm possession

cases. At that time, the OSP Forensic Laboratory was limited in this capacity for

only cases involving serious person felonies. With the support of his supervisor,

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Lieutenant Jami Resch, a plan was developed to work with a private accredited

forensic laboratory to analyze touch DNA evidence from firearm possession cases

when the OSP Forensic Laboratory could not do it.

Detective Stenzel began collaborating with Sergeants Cathe Kent of the Gun Task

Force and Kathleen Lynch of the Forensic Evidence Division to develop a

workflow of how touch DNA would be used within the Portland Police Bureau.

Once the proposal was vetted through Portland's City Council and Procurement

Services, the project was granted $70,000 in operating funds.

For the next year, the group continuously worked on the project, creating a

Standard Operating Procedure, forms, an instructional video, template search

warrants, and advanced training for approved Bureau personnel to conduct DNA

swabbing.

In spring 2013, the project began officially operating, and the Portland Police

Bureau has submitted multiple cases for forensic analysis for touch DNA that

would have otherwise never been conducted. The program, now in its second year,

is experiencing an average of a 70 percent hit rate on identifying violent offender

DNA on firearms.

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The OSP Forensic Lab is also now accepting all Gun Task Force approved

submissions, which brought the cost to down to zero dollars.

Lieutenant Jami Resch; Detective Cory Stenzel, Sergeant Kathleen Lynch, and

now Retired Sergeant Cathe Kent, for your work on this innovative project that

enables the Portland Police Bureau to hold those accountable who seek to instill

fear or harm others, you are hereby awarded the Portland Police ACHIEVEMENT

MEDAL.

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ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL

Ms. Crystal Ashton

Ms. Crystal Ashton is the project manager for the Refugee and Immigrant Family

Empowerment Program at the Immigrant Refugee Community Organization. This

non-profit program directly serves newly arrived refugees and immigrants from

various war-torn and social conflict affected areas of the world. Crystal has been a

valued community partner with the Portland Police Bureau's initiative to reach out

to this community.

Crystal works with a team of dedicated case managers, language assistants,

community volunteers, and civil rights advocates to ease the difficult process of

transition for the newly arrived refugee families. She has identified a myriad of

complex barriers that are preventing or affecting a healthy and stable adjustment of

refugee families.

One problematic area is refugees not being knowledgeable regarding the criminal

justice system in their new environment. This is often exacerbated by their

historical experience of governmental and police corruption, indifference, or even

persecution. These elements of mistrust, fear, and a lack of basic knowledge about

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the law and police procedures and policies, often contributed to conflicts with the

law. It also prevents police from adequately carrying out their duties to provide for

the safety and security of these newest community members.

Crystal had the vision to educate the growing refugee communities about the role

of the police in our city, and to provide an orientation in dealing with police and

local government for those newly arriving families.

In partnership with the Police Bureau, she has helped build a program that

encompasses basic information sharing, in the manner of proactive community

policing. Under this program, officers have conducted a series of basic crime

prevention workshops, encompassing such fundamentals as 911 operations, traffic

law, youth-related issues of gang violence and drug abuse, and basic family law

related issues.

Conceptually these workshops are designed to educate the refugee community

about not only their rights in interacting with police, but also their civic duties and

the criminal code of Oregon. A core team of Portland Police Officers have

instructed crime prevention workshops to clients from Bhutan, Nepal, Burma,

Congo and Somalia. These workshops are conducted on a consistent interactive

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basis, which provides a platform to continue building trust and long-term

relationships with these communities that historically and culturally do not trust the

government and typically fear the police.

Because of the support and partnership with Crystal, police are able to provide

direct resources, information and support to the community. In return, the Bureau

gains valuable knowledge about the cultures and demographics that we often know

so little about and yet try to provide effective services on a daily basis.

Ms. Crystal Ashton, for your hard work and dedication to this new partnership, to

assist our newest multi-ethnic communities to find safe refuge in our City, you are

hereby awarded the Portland Police ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL.

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DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL

Officer Julia Rico

Officer Julia Rico has served for more than 23 years as a Portland Police Officer,

and has worked a variety of assignments throughout the Bureau.

Since 2011, Officer Rico has been the only officer assigned to the Bureau’s Youth

Services Division Runaway Juvenile Unit. Officer Rico has responded to more

than 500 crisis calls from various law enforcement agencies searching for runaway

juveniles.

Officer Rico embraces her role as the juvenile runaway officer and takes pride in

knowing that making a difference in the life of just one child is worthwhile.

In addition to her normal duties, Officer Rico is the lead coordinator of the

Bureau’s annual Bicycle Safety Fiesta. This event allows youth of all ages to

participate in a bicycle safety rodeo where they are trained by law enforcement

volunteers on the importance of bicycle safety. Each year, she makes it possible

for more than 500 bicycle helmets to be donated for each child in attendance.

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Officer Rico is also involved in the planning and implementation of the annual

Youth Services Division Heroes and Helpers Project, in which children in need

receive a Target gift card to buy school supplies while accompanied by a volunteer

officer.

Officer Rico acts as the Hispanic Community Outreach person on a regular basis

and translates Youth Services Division Summer Camp applications for youth and

parents. She also secures camp donations for food, beverages, sports equipment

and other necessities for the annual camp, as well as acting as discipline

coordinator to the 300-plus kids who attend.

Officer Rico created the "Learning Center" in North Portland, is involved with

procurement for the Z-Man Foundation Wrestling Tournament, and has been

involved with the implementation of three Student Police Academies, securing

donations of food and beverages for more than 200 high school youth.

Officer Rico, for the long-standing relationships you have built in our community,

the positive manner in which you represent the Portland Police Bureau and for

your tireless efforts to coordinate various youth service programs that positively

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impact children, you are hereby awarded the Portland Police DISTINGUISHED

SERVICE MEDAL.

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MARK ZYLAWY DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL

Detective Todd Gradwahl

Detective Todd Gradwahl was promoted to Detective in 2007, and has been

assigned to the Gang Enforcement Team since 2009.

Detective Gradwahl’s work ethic and the manner in which he approaches his job

are well-known throughout the Bureau. As a street officer or detective, whether

interviewing witnesses, aiding a victim's family at the scene of a drive-by, or

arresting some of the most violent offenders in our community, Detective

Gradwahl does so with respect, compassion and fairness.

Gang crimes are some of the most challenging and frustrating crimes to

investigate. Due to the gang culture, it is often difficult to obtain cooperation from

witnesses or family members who live in fear of retaliation. It is because of

Detective Gradwahl’s exemplary reputation throughout the community that he is

able to gain the trust of so many, including those who live in fear.

Detective Gradwahl has dedicated his career to investigating violent crimes

committed by the most dangerous criminals in the gang culture. He understands

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how gang violence affects the community, and has fostered positive working

relationships with: neighborhood associations; gang outreach workers; churches;

district attorneys; judges; probation officers; families of those who have been

victimized; as well as families who have lost a loved one to gangs.

Detective Gradwahl has a level of understanding of the gang culture, which has

made him a successful investigator of gang-related crimes. In his tenure as a

Detective, he has made more than 100 arrests, including 44 arrests for Murder,

Attempt Murder and Felony Assaults. He fought for and won cases of enhanced

sentences on some of the most notorious gangsters. He works diligently and

tirelessly to solve the cases that appear unsolvable. Detective Gradwahl never

gives up on a case because he knows so many depend on him.

Detective Gradwahl 's expertise in gang investigations has been sought by

numerous outside agencies. He has also taught in the Basic Detective Academy,

and is a Field Training Officer for new Detectives. His ingenuity, tenacity and

innovative investigative methods are sought out by his peers daily.

Detective Gradwahl has been a member of the Portland Police Special Emergency

Reaction Team for 13 years. He has accumulated more than 6,000 training hours,

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and is a member of the Assault Element and the Rope Rescue Cadre. He has

developed and coordinated tactical training scenarios for the Bureau and has been

asked by numerous agencies throughout the state and nation to develop curriculum

for their tactical units. He has designed and conducted varied and expansive

combat courses for many agencies, and has been an instructor for the Police

Bureau in many different disciplines.

Off-duty, Detective Gradwahl has orchestrated fund raising to several non-profit

organizations. He has been involved in youth baseball, coaching and mentoring

young kids.

In the spirit of Officer Mark Zylawy, in which this award is named, most people in

North/Northeast Portland know Officer Gradwahl, Detective Gradwahl, Todd, or

as he is sometimes known as: "Grady." A letter written by a member of the

community sums it up by stating: "Thank you so much for not giving up on our

neighborhood! We will all sleep better, laugh more, and keep the faith."

Detective Todd Gradwahl, for all you have done to build relationships with the

community; investigate and prosecute violent gang members who tear apart our

communities; and for the guidance and effort you put forth to educate others; you

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are hereby awarded the Portland Police MARK ZYLAWY DISTINGUISHED

SERVICE MEDAL.

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CIVILIAN MEDAL- HEROISM

Ronald Dees, Lionel Sandoval and Al Simpson

On Wednesday, May 7th, 2014, a man went to the Hawthorne Bridge with the

intention of ending his life. He jumped in front of a large City of Portland work

truck traveling westbound, trying to get hit.

Al Simpson, who was driving the truck, was able to stop in time. The suicidal man

then ran to the north side of the bridge, and climbed the railing in an apparent

attempt to jump into the frigid waters below. After stopping his truck, Mr.

Simpson got out and ran to the railing, where he was met by two Multnomah

County employees, Mr. Ronald Dees and Mr. Lionel Sandoval, who had been

driving a work truck on the bridge as well.

Working together, the three of them were able to pull the man from the railing and

back onto the sidewalk. The suicidal male continued to struggle with them and

tried to get back to his feet, but the three of them were able to hold him on the

ground until police arrived and took the man into custody. The man was

transported to a local hospital so that he could get the help he critically needed.

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As police officers, we are often confronted with dangerous situations, including

one such as this, where the man was on a railing and could easily have pulled one

or more of the rescuers over the railing with him. No one would have faulted them

for staying back and trying to talk the man into getting off the railing until police

arrived. However, they took the risk and acted quickly, pulling the man back to a

safe location where they could hold him until police arrived. They placed their

lives at risk in order to save another person, who they didn't even know.

Ronald Dees, Lionel Sandoval and Al Simpson, for your quick action, willingness

to risk your own safety, and heroic actions to overpower and pull to safety a man

clearly set on ending his life, you are hereby awarded the Portland Police

CIVILIAN MEDAL - HEROISM.

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LIFE SAVING MEDAL

Officers Thomas Clark and Andrew Hearst

On December 15th, 2013, Officers were dispatched to East Burnside and 122nd

Avenue regarding a pedestrian struck by a car. Officers Clark and Hearst were the

first to arrive and found the uninjured driver of the automobile and a pedestrian

lying in the eastbound lanes of traffic. The pedestrian's leg was nearly amputated

and a large puddle of blood had formed on the street. The officers used a bureau-

supplied tourniquet to slow the bleeding while awaiting arrival of medical crews.

American Medical Response personnel believed the pedestrian would not survive

due to his injuries.

However, the pedestrian DID survive and retained his leg as well. Paramedics said

this was in part due to the officers properly using the tourniquet and quick action.

Officers Clark and Hearst, your calm response to a life-threatening event helped

save a man’s life and you therefore, are awarded the Portland Police LIFE

SAVING MEDAL.

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LIFE-SAVING MEDAL Officer Erin Anderson

On September 23rd, 2013, Officer Erin Anderson was off-duty and riding a TriMet

bus on his way to work. As the bus began to cross the Hawthorne Bridge, it

stopped behind two other vehicles near the midspan of the bridge. The lead

vehicle, a small SUV, had its 4-way flashers on and appeared to be broken down.

As Officer Anderson watched, a bystander shouted for the bus driver to call 911

because the man from the SUV was climbing the bridge railing and said he was

going to jump into the river.

Hearing all of this, Officer Anderson exited the bus and made his way to the man

who was now standing on the first rung of the railing with his hands draped over

the top.

The man was clearly telling two people who were holding on to his arms that he

intended to jump and end his life. Officer Anderson took a position on the man's

right side and began to explain that suicide was a permanent solution to a

temporary problem. The man turned to Officer Anderson and asked if he was a

psychologist. Officer Anderson explained he was a police officer and that he knew

of various resources that could be of help in this situation. The man asked Officer

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Anderson if he could stay and talk some more. Officer Anderson agreed to stay on

the condition the man step off of and away from the rail.

By this time, Officer Anderson had his hands on a shoulder and arm of the man,

who was 6 feet, 8 inches tall. Officer Anderson hoped that he could perhaps

overpower him and pull him back to the bridge surface, rather than be pulled over

with the subject.

With a bit more reassurance, the man stepped off the bridge railing and back to the

sidewalk. Concerned the man might change his mind again, Officer Anderson

asked the man if the two of them could step back to the man's vehicle to check on

his dog. After more conversation, Officer Anderson asked the man to walk with

him to the west end of the bridge - a safer place to meet up with police and fire

crews who would soon be there to help.

Once at the end of the bridge, officers and medical personnel arrived and the man

was transported safely to an area hospital.

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Officer Anderson, your calm reassurance helped convince a man bent on ending

his life to step away from the railing and re-think his possibilities. You are hereby

awarded the Portland Police LIFE SAVING MEDAL.

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LIFE-SAVING MEDAL

Officer Kevin Allen

In the evening hours of May 6th, 2014, Officer Kevin Allen responded to a welfare

check regarding an individual near the intersection of Southwest 13th Avenue and

Southwest Taylor Street.

Officer Allen arrived and found a 47-year-old man unconscious near the fence line

on the northwest corner of the intersection. As a CPR and first-aid instructor for

the Police Bureau, Officer Allen immediately put his skills to use, attempting to

rouse the subject. However, the man remained unresponsive and Officer Allen

called for emergency medical responders.

Officer Allen then began checking the subject for signs of trauma and other clues

to his medical condition. During this time, the patient's breathing became

irregular, sporadic, and ultimately ceased altogether. Officer Allen updated

dispatch and promptly began CPR for several minutes until medical crews arrived.

A Portland Fire Bureau crew continued CPR on the man and eventually a pulse

retuned. American Medical Response transported the stabilized patient to a local

hospital.

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Officer Kevin Allen, for your quick action in response to a man suffering a serious

medical condition, you are hereby awarded the Portland Police LIFE SAVING

MEDAL.

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LIFE-SAVING MEDAL

Officers Charles Asheim and Andrew Polas

On the evening of July 12th, 2014, North Precinct officers were dispatched to the

6100 Block of Northeast Ainsworth Street regarding a man who had been shot.

The suspect had fled the scene.

Officers Charles Asheim and Andrew Polas of the Gang Enforcement Team were

working together in a partner car and were in the area conducting routine patrol.

They heard the call come out on the radio and began driving to the call.

Officers Asheim and Polas were the first officers on the scene and focused their

efforts on treating the wounded man until medical personnel arrived. They ran to

the residence and found the man lying in the front yard surrounded by area

residents. There was a great deal of blood soaked into the grass surrounding the

victim, and his breathing was shallow. The victim was drifting in and out of

consciousness.

Officers Asheim and Polas quickly assessed the man’s wounds and could see that

he had a gunshot wound to the inner portion of his thigh. The officers knew from

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training that the victim's femoral artery had likely been damaged. Officer Polas

immediately notified dispatch of the victim's condition.

Both officers were aware that if they didn't stop the bleeding that there was a great

likelihood that the victim would bleed to death. Fortunately, Officers Asheim and

Polas had both recently been issued tourniquets to carry while on duty. They

worked together to apply the tourniquet to the victim's leg and were able to stop the

flow of blood from the wound. Both officers remained with the victim and

consoled him until medical arrived.

American Medical Response paramedics transported the victim to the hospital

where he immediately went into surgery. Hospital staff later said the victim's

femoral artery had been completely severed, but that he would survive.

Both the on-scene paramedics and the trauma surgeon said if the officers had not

applied the tourniquet to the victim, he would not have survived.

Officers Asheim and Polas, for your decisive and quick actions that resulted in a

human life being saved, you are hereby awarded the Portland Police LIFE

SAVING MEDAL.

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LIFE SAVING MEDAL

Mr. Matthew Kindall

In the early morning hours of January 30th, 2014, Mr. Matthew Kindall was driving

to work. While driving southbound on Southeast 128th Avenue, he observed a red

pickup parked in the driveway with a white hose running from the vehicle tail pipe

to the passenger side window. The vehicle was running and the exhaust was being

diverted into the cab of the pick-up.

Mr. Kindall exited his vehicle, and saw that there was a person and a dog inside the

pick-up and that both appeared unconscious.

Mr. Kindall took it upon himself to remove the plastic hose from the vehicle tail

pipe before calling for police and medical personnel assistance. He stayed at the

location until officers arrived and provided them with information.

Officers were able to wake up the man in the vehicle and found a suicide note

confirming that the diversion of the vehicle exhaust was a deliberate attempt to end

his life. The suicidal man was transported to a local hospital for a mental health

examination. The dog was left in the care of the residents of the house involved.

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Mr. Kindall took the time to stop and assist in a situation where a man had made

the decision to end his life. For your selfless actions to save a human life, Mr.

Matthew Kindall, you are hereby awarded the Portland Police LIFE SAVING

MEDAL.

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LIFE SAVING MEDAL

Officers Gail Alexander, John Hurlman, John Romero

On the morning of March 7th, 2014, Officers Alexander and Hurlman were

dispatched to the 4400 Block of Northeast Beech Street to perform a welfare check

on a 16-year-old boy.

Upon hearing the subject involved was a nearby high school student, Officer

Romero, a School Resource Officer, responded as well. The three officers were

told that the boy involved was threatening suicide. It was reported he had a rope

and hangman noose downstairs in the basement. The officers were able to gain

access to the house and began searching for him.

Officers Hurlman and Romero went downstairs and quickly located the boy

hanging by the neck. The officers were able to cut the rope and lay him on the

floor and begin CPR. Officer Romero requested and directed in emergency

medical personnel, who transported the boy to the hospital. The boy’s mother rode

in the ambulance to the hospital, and Officer Romero transported the father to the

hospital. Officer Romero also coordinated with the family and school district for

the boy’s two brothers to be able to join the family at the hospital.

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When the boy arrived at the hospital, he had a pulse and was alive due to the

actions of the three officers involved. However, the boy did not start breathing on

his own, and after two days, he was removed from life support.

Though not every life can be saved, these officers did everything they could on that

fateful day to help a young man who obviously was determined to end his life.

Despite the tragic ending of this incident, due to the actions of Officers Alexander,

Hurlman and Romero, a boy’s family had the opportunity to say goodbye and have

closure with their loved one.

Officers Alexander, Hurlman and Romero, you are hereby awarded the Portland

Police LIFE SAVING MEDAL.

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MEDAL OF VALOR

Retired Sergeant Lonn Sweeney and Officer Randy Vanderhoof;

Civilian Medal –Heroism, Mrs. Teresa Sweeney and Ms. Lenka Frank

In the early morning of June 20th, 2014, Retired Sergeant Lonn Sweeney, his wife,

Teresa, and Officer Randy Vanderhoof, who was off-duty, and his girlfriend,

Lenka Frank, were fishing near the Columbia River's entrance near Astoria.

The Coast Guard announced a pending restriction on the Columbia River bar

because of the ebb and a building of 6- to 8-foot swells. Sergeant Sweeney and a

skipper of a 25-foot aluminum guide boat heard the warning on the emergency

radio; both got their passengers into lifejackets, and shouted to each other across

the water to make sure the warning was heard and headed in together, with the

other boat leading.

Teresa Sweeney’s job was to watch the other boat as they navigated through the

rough waters. Suddenly, the guide boat capsized, and its six occupants were

struggling for help in the rough waters.

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Sergeant Sweeney could not spot any survivors until a swell pulled the stern under

and the boat sank vertically, exposing survivors and debris.

Officer Vanderhoof and Sergeant Sweeney quickly came up with a rescue plan.

Officer Vanderhoof took charge and notified other boats in the area and the Coast

Guard of their efforts. Teresa, in addition to helping throw floatation devices to

survivors, also kept debris from the propeller. Meanwhile, Sergeant Sweeney

maneuvered through the pounding swells to each of the people, as Officer

Vanderhoof and Lenka Frank, pulled them in one by one.

The victims reported there was one more person still in the water. Sergeant

Sweeney continued to look for him, but they were overloaded in their own 24-foot

fishing boat and in danger of capsizing in the rough waters. The Coast Guard

arrived with ships and a helicopter, but it was too risky to make a passenger

transfer, so Sergeant Sweeney with his overloaded boat, navigated to safety. The

sixth victim was found later, tangled in debris.

Local media picked up this act of heroism. Let’s take a look.

VIDEO GOES HERE!

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Sergeant Lonn Sweeney, Officer Randy Vanderhoof, Teresa Sweeney and Lenka

Frank, your quick thinking, heroic and calm actions in what was a horrific

situation, saved the lives of five people. Your selfless actions in the face of grave

danger should be recognized.

Retired Sergeant Lonn Sweeney and Officer Randy Vanderhoof, you are hereby

awarded the Portland Police Medal of Valor.

Teresa Sweeney and Lenka Frank, you are hereby awarded the Civilian Medal-

Heroism.

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MEDAL OF VALOR, POLICE STAR

Officer John Romero

John Romero is a School Resource Officer, assigned to the Youth Services

Division.

During the months of February and March of 2014, Officer Romero and Central

Precinct officers had taken reports regarding an individual in a dark van behaving

in a suspicious manner in the area surrounding Wilson High School. However, the

information was vague and inconsistent.

On the morning of March 12th, 2014, Officer Romero had taken a call regarding

an individual in a dark van following a student. Officer Romero worked with his

supervisor and the Public Information Officer to develop a media release regarding

the suspicious behavior. Approximately forty minutes after the alert was released

to the public, a person called 9-1-1 regarding a suspicious vehicle parked by the

Hillsdale library, only blocks away from Wilson High School.

While other officers checked inside the library, Officer Romero was looking the

van over. As he stood near the van, he observed an individual walking quickly

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away from the area. This individual matched the limited description of the person

involved in all the previous suspicious calls. Officer Romero quickly confronted

the subject, who was at first unresponsive.

Officer Romero was able to gain the subject’s attention and ordered him to sit on a

nearby retaining wall, and remove his hands from his jacket pockets. The subject

quickly looked around, and then stood back up, turning toward Officer Romero.

As the subject turned to face Officer Romero, he brought his hands out of his

pockets, holding a .45 caliber handgun. The subject started firing at Officer

Romero, who was struck in the hand and forearm. Officer Romero instantly

returned fire.

The individual was down on the sidewalk after being struck by three of Officer

Romero's rounds. Officer Romero was injured, but remained calm and alert. He

was able to radio information regarding his location, that he had been shot, and that

he was covering the downed subject.

As other officers arrived and took control of the scene, Officer Romero was

transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries to his hand and

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forearm. Even as Officer Romero was receiving treatment for his wounds, his

main concern was for his family's state of mind and his co-workers safety.

It was later discovered that the involved individual was a wanted felon who the

U.S. Marshal's Service and Clackamas County Sheriff's Office were actively

looking for in regard to a recent kidnapping of a female employee of a local

business. He was also wanted for three bank robberies in the Portland Metro Area.

Officer John Romero, for the injuries you suffered after a dangerous felon opened

fire on you, you are hereby awarded the Police Star.

For the calm heroism you displayed while in grave danger, as you confronted a

wanted felon, who was likely looking to harm others, you are hereby awarded the

Portland Police MEDAL OF VALOR.

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This concludes today’s awards ceremony. We want to give a big thank you to City

Bible Church for their continued support of the members of the Portland Police

Bureau. Thanks for reaching out to us and offering the venue and providing all the

refreshments today. They’ve also created a great backdrop for photos, which is

located in the lobby.

Thank you and have a safe evening.