SALUTE TO LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT z WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019
MEET THE CHIEF
In the line of duty Each year during May, National Police Week pays special tribute to those law enforcement offi cers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Ceremonies are held in Washington, DC, and in communities in Oregon and across the nation. Visit our “In the Line of Duty” section to learn about the brave 28 men and one woman Oregon State Police troopers who lost their lives in the line of duty. For a list of fallen offi cers go to: www.oregon.gov/OSP/ memorial.shtml
Chief Turner began with the Florence Police Department in May of 2015. Th e City of Florence has approximately nine thousand residents. The City Police Department has a total of 25 employees, 15 sworn personnel, 1 Corrections Officer, 7 dispatchers, and Administrative Staff. We provide for 24 hours a day police services, dispatch, and a municipal jail. Prior to this Chief Turner was the lane County Sheriff from 2011 until the Chief appointment in 2015. Lane County has a population of three hundred and fi ft y thousand people. As Sheriff he was the Chief Executive Officer for a full service law enforcement agency with over 350 employees that included Adult Corrections, Patrol Services, and Prisoner Transport/Court Security. The lane County Sheriff ’s Offi ce has over 600 volunteers; from Search and Rescue to the Mounted Posse. He joined the lane County Sheriff ’s Offi ce in 2006 as a Captain, then promoted to the Undersheriff in 2007. As Undersheriff , 2nd in Command, he was responsible for Human Resources, Training, Emergency Management, Labor Relations and Professional Standards. He was appointed to the Sheriff s position in January of 2011. His career began as a Reserve Offi cer for the City Of Eugene in 1981. In 1982, he accepted a fulltime position with the Lane County Sheriff ‘s Office as a Resident Deputy based in Florence, Oregon. As a result of budget cuts, aft er six short months on the job, he left the Sheriff ’s Offi ce and became a Police Offi cer with the Eugene Police Department. For the next 23 years, Chief Turner served the City of Eugene as a Police Offi cer, Police Agent (corporal), Sergeant, and Lieutenant. He spent 19 years with the Special Operations Division starting as a SWAT operator and bomb technician; ultimately becoming the lieutenant of the
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POLICE CHIEF - TOM TURNER
Division. Chief Turner’s training and education include thousands of hours of training and multiple certifications, including a DPSST Executive Certificate and graduate of the FBI National Academy. His formal education includes a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s of Business Administration. Chief Turner’s professional memberships include the Oregon Chiefs of Police Association, Oregon Education Association, Oregon State Sheriff ’s Association, National Sheriffs Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, FBI National Academy Associates, the National Tactical Officers As sociation, and the Police Executive Research Forum. Chief Turner was born and raised in Oregon, married to wife Collin for 27 years, with three chil-dren, ages 16 to 25.
True Value Hardware
1750 Highway 126 • Florence • 541-997-8024
Commander John Pitcher Commander John Pitcher has served the City of Florence as a police officer since February, 1988. He came to Florence PD after serving in the US Air Force. John and his wife Diana raised their sons in Florence, both of whom graduated from Siuslaw High School and have gone on to law enforcement careers of their own. Son Michael Pitcher (center) is a Deputy with Douglas County Sheriff. Son Aaron Pitcher is an offi cer with Toledo (Oregon), Police Department. John enjoys spending time with his family and LOVES being a Grandpa.
Wind Drift Gallery 1395 Bay Street • 541-997-9182
Pictured from left, Detective with the Toledo Police Department, Aaron Pitcher, Douglas County Sheriff Deputy Michael Pitcher, Commander John Pitcher
2 SALUTE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT
z WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019
sgt. brandon ott
Brandon started with the Florence Police Department in 2004 as a Reserve Police Officer. Brandon also served as Code Enforcement Officer from 2007 until 2011 when he was hired as a Patrol Officer. Brandon enjoys many of the outdoor activities Florence has to offer, as well as spending time with his family.
florenCe HeatinG & SHeet metal inC 1645 kingwood , Florence • 541-997-2422
assistant to cHieF turner, Jamie gorder
Jamie has lived here in beautiful Florence most of her life. Whether she is being a sports mom, camping, hunting, shop-
ping or playing with her two labs Tank & Brutus, there is nothing she loves more than being with her family!
lofy ConStruCtion, llC
sgt. len larson
sgt. denton tiPler
Len has been with the Florence Police Department since 2002. He hopes to serve the community for many years to come.
Denton grew up in Springfield Oregon. He attended college after graduating from high school and earned his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. He joined the Florence Police Department as a Reserve Police Officer in 2011 and was hired on full time as a Police Officer in 2013. He enjoys spending time with family, friends, and his two dogs Rhody and Clyde.
florenCe in Bloom
SHoreWood Senior liVinG
1234 rHododendron dr., Florence • 541-997-5391
oFFicer keVin larson
Kevin has been working with the Florence Police Dept for the past 18 years. He is currently assigned as a patrol officer.
SaW SHoP florenCe
1451 sPruce street, Florence • 541-997-8202
oFFice Hailey rockwell
Hailey has been with the Florence Police since 2018. In her spare time she loves surfing, cooking, serving our beautiful community and spending time with her Fiance.
old SCHool furniture
2285 HigHway 101. Florence • 541-590-3691 • ccb# 221760
1550 6tH street, Florence • 541-997-2653
1550 6tH street, Florence • 541-997-9424
oFFicer garrett litterell
oFFicer mattHew braaten
oFFicer robert merryman
Matt has been with the department since 2016 and is a patrol officer. In his spare time he loves to go camping and spending time with wife and family.
Rob was born in Spokane, WA and he attended North Central High School. He then joined the US Coast Guard and spent 5 years in the service. Rob became a police officer in 2003 and worked for Gresham PD. He was hired by Florence Police Department in 2004. Rob’s K-9 partner
Garrett has been with the department since 2018 coming to us from Gold Beach. He went to college on a basketball scholarship and just recently graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. He loves all sports, hunting, fishing and being with family.
Keller WilliamS realty florenCe / darCi ClarK 179 Laurel Street • 541-450-0318
aCr automotiVe
1736 W 15th Street • 541-997-6700
oFFicer steVe case
correction oFFicer stePHanie sansom
Steve traded in his dunes and trail riding on motorcycles & ATV’s along the coast over the years for patrolling in our community, as he just completed his first year with Florence Police Department. He is an avid hunter and enjoys the outdoors, but nothing compares to the joy he gets when he’s spending time with his two teenagers.
She was born and raised in Florence, upon completion of school; she joined the United States Army. During her years in the Army she completed two tours to Afghanistan. After completing her time in service she worked as a government contractor for United States Special Operations Command in Florida. In 2011 she returned to Florence where she worked in surveillance at Three Rivers Casino & Resort and completed her Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies from American Military University. She joined the department in 2016.
firSt BaPtiSt CHurCH
1935 E 25th Street • 541-997-7660
miCHael roe ConStruCtion, inC 541-997-9216 • CCB#164861
Dale retired this year after 7 years of service.
lofy ConStruCtion, llC
2285 HigHway 101. Florence • 541-590-3691 • ccb# 221760
oFFicer brandon bailey
Brandon served in the United States Army for nearly 7 years as a 19 Kilo with serving a year of that time in Iraq. Officer Bailey is currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice through The University of Phoenix. Brandon was hired by Florence Police Department in 2014 as the Corrections Officer. Brandon transferred to patrol as an Officer in 2016.
florenCe eVentS Center 715 quince street • 541-997-1994
SALUTE TO LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT z WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019
oFFicer wade martin
Wade came to the Florence Police Department with 29 experience as a Law enforcement Officer. He loves traveling to new locations, hunting and fishing.
florenCe HeatinG & SHeet metal inC 1645 kingwood , Florence • 541-997-2422
communications oFFicer JosHua tHomas
Josh is a Florence native. He graduated from Siuslaw High School in 2003 and attended University of Oregon, making the football team as a walk-on candidate. For several years, Josh served as the Athletic Director for the Florence Boys & Girls Club. Josh has worked for the Police Department since 2012. He enjoys sports, coaching, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.
firSt BaPtiSt CHurCH
1935 E 25th Street • 541-997-7660
communications oFFicer angela brog
communications oFFicer ViVian Hansen
Angie was born and raised in the Florence/Mapleton area. She has been employed by the Florence Police Department since 2008. When not working she enjoys traveling, shopping, and discovering new activities to enjoy with her family.
Colorado Native, Vivian moved to Florence last February on a whim with her better half, Conway, with their three dogs. She is proud to volunteer out of Siuslaw Valley Fire & Rescue and looks forward to growing within the community & this profession. She enjoys helping and serving those in need.
florenCe in Bloom
miCHael roe ConStruCtion, inC
1234 rHododendron dr., Florence • 541-997-5391
communications oFFicer laura olson
Laura has been a Communications Officer with FPD since May, 2014. She has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Oregon. In her spare time, Laura likes to spend time with her family, cooking, and Geocaching.
florenCe loom SiuSlaWinnBeWS
1234148 rHododendron Florence• 541-997-3441 • 541-997-5391 maPle streetd•rF.,lorence
Florence Police Auxiliary Volunteers
SiuSlaW neWS
148 maPle street • 541-997-3441
541-997-9216 • CCB#164861
communications oFFicer yolanda ross
Yolanda has worked as a law enforcement dispatcher since 1976 and was hired by the City of Florence in 1995. Yolanda and her husband are involved in the local SASS Cowboy Action group/Siuslaw River Rangers. She also enjoys listening to audio books while walking her dogs.
Pro lumBer inC
310 Hwy 101 • 541-997-3438
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communications oFFicer diXie beacH
Dixie is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, Seabees. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling. She has experience working in home health, child welfare, and with intellectually and developmentally disabled adults. She moved to Florence with family to enjoy the ocean and the great outdoors!
Keller WilliamS realty florenCe / darCi ClarK 179 Laurel Street • 541-450-0318
communications oFFicer kim greenwood
Kim has been with the Florence Police Department for 39 years. She enjoys traveling to exotic locations, reading, gardening and frolicking with her 2 golden retrievers.
aCr automotiVe
1736 W 15th Street • 541-997-6700
code enForcement oFFicer dan Frazier
Dan moved to Florence in 1979 and graduated from Siuslaw High School in 1981. His father was a career police officer. Dan worked in the lumber mills for over 28 years prior to becoming the Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Florence one year ago.
florenCe HeatinG & SHeet metal inC 1645 kingwood , Florence • 541-997-2422
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SALUTE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT z WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019
Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua & Siuslaw Indians Tribal Police Department Chief Brad Kneaper
Brad has been in law enforcement for over 32 years. Over 15 years ago, Brad helped start and became a part of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Police Department. He currently holds the rank of Chief of Police. Prior to working at CTCLUSI Police Department, Brad was employed by Oregon State Police.
Lieutenant Brian Dubray
Brian joined the department in early 2014. He has over 15 years law enforcement experience ranging from a Reserve Officer and Communications Officer for North Bend, Tribal Police Officer with the Coquille Tribal Police to his current position as Lieutenant with the department. Brian is from the Florence area and graduated from Siuslaw High School
Three Rivers Casino Resort
Three Rivers Casino Resort
5647 Hwy. 126 • 541-997-7529
5647 Hwy. 126 • 541-997-7529
Officer Doug Laird
Officer Shane Henderson
LANE COUNTY SHERIFF FLORENCE PATROL OFFICE Deputy Josh Putzier, Dunes Patrol Deputy Josh Putzier is a native Oregonian. He attended college after high school and earned his Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Deputy Putzier joined the Lane County Sheriff’s Office as a Reserve Deputy in 2011 and was hired as a Corrections Deputy in 2013. He then transferred to the Police Services Division in 2014 and is now assigned to the Dunes Patrol Deputy position in Florence, as of October 2017. Deputy Putzier enjoys spending time with friends and family, camping, and being outdoors.
ACR Automotive
1736 W 15th Street • 541-997-6700
Siuslaw News Doug has been in Law Enforcement for over 20 years. Before joining the CTCLUSI Police Department Doug was employed by Coos County Sherriff’s office. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and served in the Marine Corps. His primary patrol area is our Coos Bay tribal lands.
Three Rivers Casino Resort 5647 Hwy. 126 • 541-997-7529
Shane has been an officer with CTCLUSI Police department since 2015, before that Shane held several positions within CTCLUSI Tribal government. Currently he covers a patrol area that includes the Florence area, Coos County, Douglas County and Lane County Tribal Lands.
Three Rivers Casino Resort 5647 Hwy. 126 • 541-997-7529
Would Like to Thank All of Our Patrol Officers and Their Staff.