November 25, 2020

Thanksgiving thoughts from OACP's President, Chief Jim Ferraris

Recently I read a short summary about Thanksgiving on History.com. It said in part, “Thanksgiving, which occurs on the fourth Thursday in November, is based on the colonial Pilgrims’ 1621 meal giving thanks for their harvest. The holiday continues to be a day for Americans to gather for a day of feasting, football and family.”

Well, Thanksgiving 2020 is going to be different for many of us. In the past, we have gathered with those important to us to give thanks for what we have, much like the Pilgrims did in 1621. This year, because of the risks of Coronavirus, many will not be gathering this Thursday in the same ways as in the past for a day of feasting, family and football. Yes, it will be different.

We have certainly had a challenging year, haven’t we? COVID-19 has an omnipresence that we continue to grapple with in our personal and professional lives, which we likely will have to manage for some time into the future. Hopefully a vaccine and other treatments are weeks away so we can begin to regain some normalcy in our lives. The social justice movement continues forward, changing law enforcement across our great state. Our financial situation statewide is changing as a result of likely COVID-related revenue shortfalls and “defund the police” reductions. While a contentious election season is over, or at least we thought it was over, some decision points are still to be made. We are about to embark on a difficult journey with our state legislature as the 2021 session will once again focus on policing in Oregon.

Regardless of those challenges, we do have much to be thankful for. We have our faith. We have our loved ones. We have those in our lives important to each of us. We have our health. We have our profession. We have today and we have tomorrow. We have each other. We have hope. That, my friends, is plenty to be thankful for.

Speaking of giving thanks, I would like to give my personal and professional thanks to two of our “life members” who will each soon be retiring. To Chief Stuart Roberts and to Chief Jerry Moore, THANK YOU for your friendship, your professionalism and your many years of contributions to OACP and the Oregon law enforcement community. Both of you have made a difference, leaving behind legacies to be remembered.

In closing, to all of our OACP Members and administrative staff, on behalf of the entire OACP Executive Board, we wish you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Be safe and stay healthy,

Jim Ferraris
OACP President


 OACP News


Thanksgiving musings from two OACP Life members on the brink of retirement...

Chief Moore
Salem PD
"I’m thankful for a long and satisfying career in the world’s greatest profession, surrounded by some of the finest people I could ever wish to work with.  From my department, to our local public safety partners, and of course, my friends and colleagues in the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, you have always made me and my wife Sam feel like family, and for that we will be forever grateful." 

Chief Roberts
Pendleton PD
"Like most, I am thankful for family, friends, and health.  But most of all, I am thankful for the opportunity to have served a community I love while being surrounded by men and women who routinely defy the gross mischaracterizations of law enforcement.  The selfless manner in which these very special people embrace their sworn duties and responsibilities defines the word “professional." The tremendous amount of discretion entrusted to them serves as a testament of true public opinion, not the political rhetoric fueling the chaos plaguing our communities.  I am thankful for the position(s) I have held, the career I leave, and the friends I have made, but most of all…I am honored to have been called a police officer." 


Begins: Saturday, December 5 at 10:00 am
Ends: Sunday, December 6 at 3:00 pm

Don't miss this opportunity to do some early Christmas shopping. Chief Don Taylor (Turner PD) has been hard at work preparing for this creative fundraiser. We'll be featuring auction items on OACP's fb page leading up to this virtual event. 

To participate, join the Facebook Group:
Oregon Association Chiefs of Police Fundraising Auction




Unfortunately because of COVID restrictions, the Executive Board had to make the difficult decision to cancel OACP’s Executive Leadership Training Seminar (ELTS). We will keep you posted regarding possible virtual training to replace it.




ADAPT is excited to offer two webinars in December to support HIDTA prevention efforts.

Community Engagement for HIDTA Prevention
December 8, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. EST
Click here for more information and to register.

HIDTA Prevention Roundtable
December 16, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. EST
Click here for more information and to register.



Wondering about renewing your OACP Membership Dues?
An invoice will automatically be sent to all members at the beginning of the year. In the meantime, no need to do anything.

Oregon News

'I have to be me,' Byram prepares to build on Roberts' successes as next Pendleton police chief
East Oregonian
'I have to be me,' Byram prepares to build on Roberts' successes as next Pendleton police chief
Read More

Visit Oregon, Washington state parks for free the day after Thanksgiving
Oregonlive
This year, state parks in Oregon and Washington will once again waive all parking fees the day after Thanksgiving, encouraging people to get out and enjoy nature, but to do so safely as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread.
Read More 

‘We cannot arrest or enforce our way out of the pandemic’: Local Oregon leaders grapple with latest restrictions
Oregonlive
A few sheriffs and police chiefs have said they will disregard the orders and not make arrests or otherwise seek to punish people.
Read More

CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Interim Playbook 
The CDC has released a COVID-19 Interim Playbook. There are things that are important to front-line public safety workers in Oregon.
Read More


National News

Rules About Police Wearing Masks Vary Widely Across US
U.S. News & World Report
Although authorities have been encouraging people to wear masks to slow the spread of the coronavirus, many police departments leave it up to officers to decide whether to cover their faces while interacting with the public.
Read More

In cities across US, voters support more police oversight
AP
Voters in communities across the country approved measures on Election Day toughening civilian oversight of law enforcement agencies, including some that took years to reach the ballot but grew in urgency after global protests over racial injustice and police brutality.
Read More

Lexington Police to Deliver Free Turkeys, Hams Monday
Lexington Chronicle
Serve & Connect, a local nonprofit fostering positive change through sustainable police-community partnerships, is coordinating with law enforcement agencies in 5 counties across the Midlands to deliver free Thanksgiving food and produce items to lift the spirits of families who may be struggling this holiday season.
Read More

Training Helps Mendham Officers Handle Mental Health Challenges
Patch
With suicide on the rise in many areas of the law enforcement community, the Mendham Township Police Deapartment attended the two day Officer Resiliency program that is rolling out across the state.
Read More



Congratulations to Chief Stuart Roberts (Pendleton PD) on his retirement. After almost 18 years as the chief of Pendleton PD and 27 years in law enforcement, he is beginning a new chapter. He has served a long and distinguished career and is "lauded for the stability he brought to the department." The OACP wishes Chief Roberts the best on his next adventure.



If you're encouraging a college student to apply for OACP's College Scholarships, make sure to have them apply by December 31, 2020. Click here for more information.

OACP Weekly Update
Send feedback by contacting the OACP Office at 503.315.1411 or by visiting the website:
www.policechief.org

Oregon Association Chiefs of Police | 1191 Capitol St. NE, Salem, OR 97301 | (503) 315-1411