We begin in La Grande, where Chief Hays joined the La Grande Fire Department for its 25th Annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony and served as a guest speaker.

Chief Hays reflected on the heroism and sacrifice of the first responders who answered the call that day and shared his own memory of watching the events unfold, describing September 11 as “our Pearl Harbor.”

Twenty-five years later, that memory remains vivid and serves as a reminder of why we continue to honor those who lost their lives and the first responders who ran toward danger to save others.

Across Oregon, agencies marked the anniversary with ceremonies, moments of silence, memorial displays, and tributes. The images that follow reflect that shared remembrance.

The Fourth Alarm Foundation supports firefighters and other first responders through training, education, equipment and funding. The Eugene-based nonprofit also helps bring Oregon’s public safety community together for the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Autzen Stadium, where participants climb the equivalent of 110 stories in honor of those lost on September 11. Click here for more images.

As participants made their final descent, they were met by Chief's Resch, Skinner & Wade, standing for a moment of remembrance.

Chief Stacy Jepson joined her colleagues at Autzen Statium and addressed the crowd of climbers on Friday morning.

Oregon’s public safety community came together at DPSST to remember September 11, 2001.

Academy students, officers and cadets from agencies across Oregon joined DPSST staff for a special colors ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks.

DPSST Academy Dean Gerod Rayburn, a former New York State Police trooper who deployed to Manhattan in the hours following the attacks and spent weeks supporting rescue and recovery efforts, shared his experience with academy students and reflected on what it means to serve.

“Being a first responder isn’t about being fearless, it’s about being prepared,” Rayburn said, emphasizing the importance of standing shoulder to shoulder, relying on one another and being there when it matters most.

Twenty-five years later, the ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifice, service and lasting impact of September 11 on generations of public safety professionals.

Her career has included service as a Drug Recognition Expert, Field Training Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Professional Standards Sergeant, and Patrol Lieutenant, giving her extensive experience in officer development, organizational accountability, personnel leadership, critical-incident response, and day-to-day police operations.

Since 2023, Rebecca has led MPD’s Community Engagement Division, overseeing teams and initiatives focused on livability, traffic safety, schools, code enforcement, and community outreach. Her work has helped strengthen collaborative responses to homelessness, addiction, behavioral health, and community safety, including her leadership and involvement with Jackson County’s Deflection Program.

She has also helped advance programs that build relationships between law enforcement and the community, including the Rogue Valley Girls Police Camp, Latino Citizens’ Academy, Popsicle Patrol, mentorship efforts, and other community-engagement initiatives. Her leadership reflects a commitment not only to effective policing, but also to developing future leaders and creating opportunities for women in the profession.

Rebecca’s record of service has previously earned recognition including the 2023 Outstanding Achievement Award for the Livability Team and being named one of Jackson County’s Top 10 Emerging Leaders in 2024.

Becca has also been a member of the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police for nearly five years, making it especially meaningful for OACP to celebrate this recognition alongside her.

As part of the 40 Under 40 recognition, Becca will be featured in the September 2026 issue of Police Chief magazine and recognized on IACP’s website. She will be honored alongside her fellow award recipients at the IACP 40 Under 40 Award Luncheon in Orlando, Florida, during the 2026 IACP Annual Conference.

Congratulations, Lieutenant Pietila, on this outstanding and well-deserved honor. OACP is proud to celebrate your leadership, service, and the positive impact you continue to make within your agency, your community, and Oregon’s law enforcement profession.

ANOTHER REASON TO JOIN US IN ASHLAND!

Just when you thought the Fall Conference couldn’t get any better - Verkada is sponsoring a Thursday evening happy hour at Oak Tree Northwest Bar & Grill, right across from Ashland Hills!

Join fellow attendees from 5:30–7:00 p.m. for drinks, Thursday Night Football, and a chance to relax and connect after a full day of conference programming. A big thank-you to Verkada for adding another fun opportunity to the week and another reason to get that last-minute registration in!

NEEDING TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM STILL?

The OACP Room block has been released and attendees looking to secure lodging will need to call the hotel directly (mentioning they are with the OACP) to book their stay.

Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites: 541-482-8310