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Good afternoon. I would like to welcome you to today's promotions ceremony. I'm Sergeant
Pete Simpson of the Portland Police Bureau, and I have the honor and privilege of being
Master of Ceremonies as we promote two assistant chiefs, 3 commanders, 10 sergeants, 2 senior
police administrative support specialists and 2 police administrative support specialists.
On September 14, 1870, Portland Metropolitan Police Chief Phillip Saunders submitted to
the Portland City Council a document entitled, "General Rules and Regulations for the Government
of the Metropolitan Police Force." The following is a preamble to the rules and regulations
that was entitled, "Advice to Police Officers":
"You have been appointed to, and have assumed the responsibilities of an office, the duties
which are more varied and arduous, and the trust imposed more important, both to the
public and yourself, then generally admitted.
"You have assumed the duties of an executive officer of criminal law, of the ordinances
of a great metropolis, as a conservator of the public peace. Your acts will, at times,
be subject to the scrutiny of an observant public, and upon the course you pursue depends
to a great extent the credit of the department of which you are a member, and your success
and standing as an officer.
"Remember that your capital is your character. Therefore husband it carefully. Hold your
word sacredly."
These words still ring true 142 year later as we make today's promotions.
I'd like to introduce the Mayor of the City of Portland, Charlie Hales.
MAYOR HALES SPEAKS
Thank you Mr. Mayor. We will now begin the formal ceremony.
The following commanders are being promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief:
MIKE CREBS Mike was appointed to the Portland Police
Bureau on March 12th, 1992. Prior to joining the Portland Police Bureau, Commander Crebs
was a police officer in the Midvale (UT) Police Department and the Salt Lake County Sheriff's
Office for 11 years.
Mike was promoted to sergeant in 1995 and assigned to Southeast Precinct. In 1999, he
was promoted to lieutenant and worked in the Tactical Operations Division, where he devoted
time to the GREAT program. He was also an early member of the Rapid Response Team.
In 2002, Mike was promoted to Captain and oversaw the School Police Division. In 2004,
he was promoted to Commander and assigned to the Transit Police Division, East Precinct,
Detectives and most recently, the Transit Police for a second stint.
Mike has more than 45 letters of commendation in his file. Many discuss his professionalism,
and leadership and ability to build relationships with people. His high energy is well-known
and recognized, even in the commendations regarding his work.
Mike his joined today by wife Lesley, daughter Lauren, son Nick, mother in law Liz and granddaughter
Emma.
Assistant Chief Crebs is assigned to the Chief's office where he oversees the Services Branch.
DONNA HENDERSON
Donna was appointed to the
Portland Police Bureau on July 14th, 1988, and five years later, in 1993, she was promoted
to Detective, assigned to the Detective Division and Family Services. In 1998, Donna was promoted
to Lieutenant and assigned to Southeast Precinct. She became the Hostage Negotiation Team commander
during this time as well, and then in 2001, she was promoted to Captain and assigned to
Personnel and then the innovative program, Police Corps.
In 2005, Donna was promoted to commander and assigned to TriMet. After three years there,
she went to North Precinct and then to Family Services as a Captain. She was promoted back
to Commander in 2012 and assigned to the Detective Division.
In February, Donna was promoted to Assistant Chief, overseeing the Investigations Branch.
Donna has more than 38 letters of commendation that illustrate the wide range of assignments.
She has clearly embraced her supervisory assignments from street to investigations.
Donna is joined today by her partner Cathleen Callahan
Assistant Chief Henderson is assigned to the Chief's office where she oversees the Investigations
Branch. LAVONNE GRIFFIN-VALADE, City Auditor, will
now administer The Oath of Office. The
following Captains will be promoted to the rank of Commander:
GEORGE BURKE
George was appointed to the Portland Police Bureau on July 2nd, 1992. After completing
his training and rotating throughout the precincts, he was assigned to Northeast Precinct and
then the Drugs and Vice Division. In 2000, George was promoted to sergeant and assigned
to North Precinct. In 2002, he joined the Detective Division and also worked as a hostage
negotiator on a detached basis.
George was promoted to lieutenant in 2007 and assigned to Central Precinct and then
worked as the Chief's adjutant. In 2011, he was promoted to captain and assigned to the
Professional Standards Unit and then the Records Division.
During his career, George has received 24 letters of commendation as well as the Life
Saving Medal in 2010 after providing lifesaving CPR to a man suffering a medical emergency.
George is joined today by his wife Shannon, daughter Alexi, grandson Jack, and son-in-law
Alex.
Commander Burke, who was promoted in February 2013, is assigned to the Detective Division.
KEVIN MODICA Kevin was appointed to the Portland Police
Bureau on April 24, 1986, after working for the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office for
four years. He was assigned to patrol for several years and was assigned to the Gang
Team before being promoted to Detective in 1996.
Kevin became a Sergeant in 1997 and was assigned to the Traffic Division and the GREAT program,
where he worked with at-risk youth to try and stop them from becoming involved in gang
activity. He was then promoted to Lieutenant in 2001, and was assigned as a precinct supervisor,
to Emergency Management, Personnel, and then the Tactical Operations Division.
In 2010, Kevin was promoted to Captain and assigned to North Precinct, Youth Services
Division and most recently Family Services.
Captain Modica has received many awards including the Dennis Darden Officer of the Year Awards,
two Distinguished Service Medals, and the MLK Lifetime Achievement Award. Captain Modica
is also a member in good standing in the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.
Kevin is joined today by his partner Lyne Martin and daughters, Lauren and Naomi, and
sister, Beverly. Kevin's daughter, Rachael lives out of town and is here in spirit.
Commander Modica was promoted in July 2013, and assigned to the Transit Police DivisionSARA
WESTBROOK
Sara was appointed to the Portland Police Bureau on September 9th, 1993. Prior to that,
she had served eight years with Thurston County and Tumwater, Washington Police Departments.
After she finished her training and rotated throughout the precincts, Sara worked at Southeast
Precinct for a couple of years before transferring to the Family Services Division.
Sara was an early coordinator of the Police Bureau's Crisis Intervention Team in the late
1990s, working with numerous community groups and advisors to build an elite team who responded
to people in mental health crisis.
In 1999, Sara was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the Detective Division and later
Family Services. In 2003, Sara was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to the Tactical
Operations Division, Southeast and later Central Precinct after her promotion to Captain.
Throughout her career, Sara has earned 22 letters of commendation and has continued
her commitment to helping improve police response to those with mental illness. Sara has worked
with numerous workgroups to revamp the Bureau's Crisis Intervention training several times
over the years and most recently, she oversaw the Bureau's new Behavioral Health Unit.
Sara was honored with a Unit Commendation for her work with the CIT Workgroup in developing
CIT training in 2007and earned a Unit Commendation with valor for her work on the Bureau's Special
Emergency Reaction Team. Sara is joined today by her many friends.
Commander Westbrook was promoted in July 2013 and is assigned to East Precinct.
LAVONNE GRIFFIN-VALADE, City Auditor, will now administer The Oath of Office.
The following officers are being promoted to the rank of sergeant
JENNIFER BAXTER
Jennifer was appointed to the Portland Police Bureau on February 15, 1999. After finishing
her training and rotating through the various patrol assignments, she was assigned to Southeast
Precinct and then East Precinct.
Of Jennifer's many commendation letters in her file, there is one that stands out. It
is a heartfelt letter by a woman that Jennifer stopped, who was struggling to pull her life
back together. The woman wrote to say Officer Baxter had made the right decisions the night
she stopped her and the woman had since sought treatment after a relapse following an 18-year
sobriety.
Jennifer was also honored with a Unit Commendation in 2002 for her work on the Robbery Detail
in Southeast Precinct.
Jennifer is joined today by many family and friends.
Sergeant Baxter will be assigned to Central Precinct.
HEIDI BROCKMAN
Heidi was appointed to the Portland Police Bureau on February 15th 1999. She finished
her training and rotation throughout the precincts and was assigned to East Precinct in 2000.
She has worked at Northeast Precinct since 2005.
Heidi has 25 letters of commendation in her file, illustrating the busy life of a patrol
officer. She has been commended for everything from reading to school children to assisting
with a man in mental health crisis at a care facility, her response to shootings, and her
volunteer work with the Police Activities League.
Heidi is joined today by friends and loved ones.
Sergeant Brockman will be assigned to North Precinct.
DARKE HULL
Darke was appointed to the Portland Police Bureau on August 12th, 1999. He finished his
training and rotation through the precincts and worked at Central Precinct for five years
before transferring to the Traffic Division in 2006. He became a member of the Motorcycle
Detail in 2010. Throughout his tenure at the Traffic Division, Darke has proven to be committed
to traffic awareness and identifying resources and developing and implementing numerous programs
that have improved the quality of traffic investigations and enforcement.
Darke has 23 letters of commendation in his file, many thanking him for his assistance
and professionalism at crash scenes. One letter from a mom talks about the impact Officer
Hull made on her son who was involved in a collision while riding his new motorcycle.
The woman said Officer Hull had a heart to heart with her son. In her letter, the woman
said Officer Hull was stern, but humane; and his words made a huge impact on her son, causing
him to change his behavior.
Darke was also honored with an Achievement Medal in 2008 for his work with the Major
Crash Team.
Darke is joined today by his father, Jack, mother, Brooke and son, Darke.
Sergeant Hull will be assigned to Central Precinct.
MATTHEW JAMISON
Matthew was appointed to the Portland Police Bureau on July 17th, 2008. After finishing
his training and rotations, he has worked at Northeast Precinct since 2009.
The letters of commendation in Matthew's file demonstrate the wide range of calls officers
respond to each day. Matthew's commendations range from working the Entertainment District
downtown to responding to suicide calls and commercial burglaries.
Matthew is joined today by family and friends.
Sergeant Jamison will be assigned to Central Precinct.
JASON LILE
Jason was appointed to the Portland Police Bureau on February 17th, 2000. He finished
training and his rotations throughout the precincts and settled into Central Precinct,
where he worked from 2001 to 2006. He was then assigned to East Precinct.
Jason has 36 letters of commendation in his file. The letters discuss his professionalism
and compassion when responding to everything from stolen cars to recovering money stolen
from a local church to responding to crash scenes.
Jason is joined today by friends and family.
Sergeant Lile will be assigned to North Precinct.
JAMES QUACKENBUSH
Jim was appointed to the Portland Police Bureau on January 21st, 1999. After finishing his
training and rotations, he was assigned to Northeast Precinct, where he has remained
since 2000.
Jim has 24 letters of commendation in his personnel file. His letters detail the varied
and busy life of a patrol officer, thanking him for his professionalism when responding
to a hit and run, conducting follow-up after a burglary, assaults, runaways, traffic stops
and more. His commendations have the consistent theme of professionalism and praising Jim
for his assistance.
Jim is joined today by his daughter, Alex, and son, Josh, mother, Karen, and his father,
Jon, who retired as a Sergeant after 35 years with Kent, Washington Police Department. Jon
Quackenbush will present Jim's badge to him today.
Sergeant Quackenbush will be assigned to Central Precinct.
ROBERT QUICK
Rob was appointed to the Portland Police Bureau on March 15th, 2001. After training and rotations
throughout the precincts, he began working at Southeast Precinct and then moved to East
Precinct in 2009, where he has garnered 20 letters of commendation.
Rob has been commended by supervisors and community members for his professionalism
and compassion when responding to incidents ranging from mental health to violent crime.
He was also honored with a Bureau Certificate of Appreciation for his time on bicycle patrol.
Rob is joined today by his wife, Nancy, and their children; Carolyn and Mason.
Sergeant Quick will be assigned to Central Precinct.
ROBERT SLYTER
Rob was appointed to the Portland Police Bureau on April 23rd, 1992, and rotated through the
precincts as part of his training and probation. In 1994, he settled in at East where he worked
until 2001. In 2002, he went back to East and remained until his promotion.
Rob has 48 letters of commendation range from responding to robberies, to drug house investigations
to car prowls and more. Throughout the letters, the consistent theme remains Rob's professionalism,
patience and investigative follow-up.
Rob also was honored with a Unit Commendation for working on the Burglary Intervention Team
in 2004 and 2005 as well as a Medal of Valor for his actions in pursuit of a heavily armed,
intoxicated subject.
Rob is joined today by his friends and family.
Sergeant Slyter will be assigned to Central Precinct.
TODD TACKETT
Todd was appointed to the Portland Police Bureau on April 15th, 2004. After rotating
throughout the precincts, he began working at Northeast Precinct, where he was worked
since 2005.
Todd's many letters of commendation include one where he assisting in saving a child from
an attempted kidnapping. Other commendations describe him as incredibly helpful and courteous.
Todd's letters also describe the hectic life of a patrol officer, including responding
to suicidal subjects, shots fired calls and burglaries.
Todd is joined today by his wife, Sara, their children, Lauren and Jack, his mom, Teresa,
mother-in-law, Marcia, and his Aunt Susan, and Uncle Grant.
Sergeant Tackett will be assigned to North Precinct.
JAMES CROOKER
I'd just like to take a moment to recognize Sergeant James Crooker, who cannot be here
today because he is in Bangladesh teaching community policing as part of the Bureau's
Bangladesh Community Policing Program. Sergeant Crooker was promoted in a special ceremony
in July. We'll honor him in person at a future ceremony.
LAVONNE GRIFFIN-VALADE, City Auditor, will now administer the Oath of Office
And
now we'd like to recognize some of our nonsworn personnel.
MICHELLE SPARKS
Michelle was appointed to the Portland Police Bureau on January 8th, 2007 as a Police Records
Specialist Trainee.
On January 17th, 2013, she was promoted to Police Administrative Support Specialist,
Senior and assigned to Detectives.
Michelle is joined today by her friends and family.
NICOLE WRIGLEY
Nicole was appointed to the Portland Police Bureau on February 18th, 1998, as a Police
Desk Clerk. She was promoted to a Police Administrative Support Specialist on September 13, 2001,
and assigned to Southeast Precinct Detectives.
Nicole has since worked in the Drugs and Vice Division and Family Services. She was honored
with a Unit Commendation for her work on the 2007 Child Abuse Team.
On January 17th, 2013, Nicole was promoted to Police Administrative Support Specialist,
Senior and assigned to Detectives.
She is joined today by her friends and family.
TYSON ESTES
Tyson was appointed to the Portland Police Bureau on June 5th, 2006, as a Police Desk
Clerk and assigned to Southeast Precinct. He then went on to work at North Precinct
and Central Precinct.
Tyson's letters of commendation discuss his superior customer service skills.
On May 9th, 2013, Tyson was promoted to Police Administrative Support Specialist and assigned
to the Internal Affairs Division.
MARY PROTTSMAN
Mary was appointed to the Portland Police Bureau on June 23rd, 2008, as a Police Desk
Clerk. She has worked at Central and Southeast Precinct.
Mary was promoted on February 28th, 2013 to Police Administrative Support Specialist and
assigned to the Detective Division.
Mary is joined today by her family
and friends.
AND NOW I'D LIKE TO INTRODUCE CHIEF MICHAEL REESE
CHIEF MICHAEL REESE SPEAKS
Thank you very much for
coming today. This concludes the official ceremony. There are some light refreshments
in the lobby for your enjoyment. A photographer from
the Forensics Evidence Division and Chief Reese will be available for pictures after
the ceremony.
Thank you.
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