Weekly Update September 2, 2026

Early Bird pricing has been extended through Friday to give everyone a little extra time to take advantage of the best available conference rate.

** Please note that cancellations are fully refundable through September 15. After that date, we are unable to issue refunds due to final attendance and meal counts that must be provided to the venue.

If you’re arriving in Ashland on Tuesday, September 22, we’d love to have you join us for a casual pre-conference social before the Fall Conference gets underway.

Stop by Luna Café anytime between 7:00 and 9:00 PM to say hello, catch up with colleagues, and connect with others arriving the evening before the conference.

There’s no formal program or agenda - just a relaxed opportunity to spend some time together before we jump into the conference on Wednesday.

Tuesday, September 22 | 7:00–9:00 PM
Luna Café | Inside Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites, just off the lobby

Back by popular demand! Following strong reviews and requests from attendees for more in-depth training, Captain Trisena Sharff returns to OACP this fall with an expanded session.

Topic: "Agency Culture and Building the Next Generation of Leaders."

Overview: Creating a healthy culture in your agency can be one of a leader’s biggest challenges. This culture is the foundation for building the next generation of leaders. This class will teach law enforcement leaders how to develop their followers to capitalize on upward leadership opportunities. Discussion will include how to identify these opportunities and how to take advantage of them when they present themselves. Law enforcement leaders will also learn about effective followership. Discussion will include learning about the different followership styles and how to help yourself and others become a better follower.

Learn More about OACP's Partnership with Lexipol

Chief Schmerber receives his OACP retirement plaque from OACP Board Member and District 4 representative Chief George Burke; Lake Oswego PD

After nearly four decades in Oregon law enforcement, Gladstone Police Chief John Schmerber is retiring, concluding a career marked by leadership, mentorship, and a deep commitment to community.

John began his law enforcement career with the Seaside Police Department in 1988 before joining the Hillsboro Police Department in 1989. Over the next 30 years, he rose through the ranks from police officer to corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, and commander. He retired from Hillsboro in 2019 to become Chief of Police for the City of Gladstone, where he has served for the past seven years. John is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Session 223.

Throughout his career, Chief Schmerber has demonstrated a particular commitment to young people. He spent 15 years coaching football at Westview High School and has continued that focus in Gladstone, where he has emphasized relationship-building and mentorship through the department’s School Resource Officer program. His community service has also included involvement with the Gladstone Education Foundation and First Tee – Oregon.

John has been an OACP member since 2018 and has been a valuable contributor to the Association, serving on multiple committees, including Executive Resources and Intergovernmental & Legislative, while also playing an important role each year planning & organizing OACP’s annual pre-conference golf event.

In May, the OACP honored Chief Schmerber with the Max Patterson Award, recognizing his longstanding investment in youth and community. The recognition was especially fitting, as John has spent these final years of his career leading the Gladstone Police Department - the same agency once led by Chief Max Patterson.

We are grateful for John’s many years of service to Oregon law enforcement, to OACP, and to the communities he has served. Congratulations, Chief Schmerber, on a remarkable career and a well-earned retirement!

SAVE THE DATE:

The 2026 OACP Small Agency Conference is coming to Sunriver, November 3-5, and this year’s conference will be hosted at the Sunriver Police Department.

Designed for chiefs and other high-level decision-makers from smaller agencies, this conference focuses on the unique challenges of leading with limited staffing, resources, and capacity - while creating space for practical training, peer discussion, and connection with leaders who understand the realities of small-agency policing.

Registration opens September 30. Mark your calendar and plan to join us in Sunriver!

Come Support Special Olympics Oregon Athletes!

There are plenty of opportunities this fall to get involved, reconnect with fellow LETR members, and - most importantly - cheer on some incredible athletes. Whether you can stay for an entire event or stop by for a short time between shifts, you’re welcome. Help present medals, hand out high-fives, cheer from the sidelines, and be part of the fun. Officers, dispatchers, agents, records staff and all LETR supporters are encouraged to participate - and bring a friend!

Click HERE for a list of games and to Register

Investigation into Eagle Point city administrators could take months
Rogue Valley Times