The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office paid tribute to fallen deputies at two ceremonies on Tuesday, May 12, as part of National Police Week.
National Police Week runs from May 9 to May 15, and is a time to honor the law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and in the safety and protection of others.
The official proceedings began with a morning ceremony at the Loll Memorial on the corner of Southwest 35th Avenue and Southwest Arnold Street in Portland, where Deputy Sheriff Ernest Loll was shot and killed in September 1935, while investigating a report of poachers.
Sheriff Mike Reese and members of the Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard paid tribute at Deputy Loll’s memorial.
“The ground we stand on was hallowed by the blood that he shed that day,” observed Sheriff Reese.
The commemoration continued at the Troutdale Sheriff’s Operations Center, the site of the memorial plaque honoring all fallen deputies. Members of the Honor Guard presented a ceremonial flag to Sheriff Reese, which was placed at the memorial.
Sheriff Reese read the names of all 10 deputies, and one civilian, who lost their lives while serving the Sheriff’s Office, noting that “it is a sacred responsibility to remember each of them and to honor the sacrifice their families made.”
Of the 10 deputies who died in the line of duty, one died as the result of an explosion, two died by an impaired driver, and seven as the result of gunfire.
A moment of silence followed, after which the Sheriff reflected upon the past year and the impact it has had upon law enforcement agencies.
“This year has been unlike any previous year,” said Sheriff Reese. “This month, as police agencies and sheriff’s offices across the country gather at similar ceremonies, the list of names read aloud will be much longer as COVID-19 cut short the lives of too many of our colleagues. While we are fortunate that no member of our agency has lost their life during this pandemic, we have had our share of sickness and close calls.”
An Honor Guard member lowered the flag to half-staff and Sheriff Reese paid tribute to the ongoing work of sheriff’s deputies, as well as all who work to provide a safe and thriving community every day.
“I am grateful for the members of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office who responded with professionalism and courage,” he concluded. “On this ground where we never forget the fallen, we also honor the living who keep the pledge of public service alive”.
Fallen MCSO members include:
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Deputy Sheriff Irving Lawrence Burkett, End of Watch: Thursday, August 21, 2003
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Deputy Sheriff Robert Ray Anderson, End of Watch: Thursday, December 1, 1994
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Reserve Deputy Sheriff Mark Alan Whitehead, End of Watch: Friday, February 26, 1993
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Reserve Sergeant Scott E. Collins, End of Watch: Friday, February 26, 1993
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Sergeant Albert William Bowe, End of Watch: Thursday, November 15, 1945
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Deputy Sheriff Ernest C. Loll, End of Watch: Sunday, September 29, 1935
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Special Deputy Sheriff Walter William Leonhardt, End of Watch: Monday, September 28, 1931
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Corrections Powderman Charles Hall, End of Watch: Saturday, May 24, 1924
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Superintendent Ed Diedrich, End of Watch: Saturday, May 24, 1924
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Deputy Sheriff Frank Walter Twombley, End of Watch: Tuesday, November 19, 1918
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Deputy Sheriff Robert Phillips, End of Watch: Wednesday, November 21, 1917
