The OPOA E-Board met on May, 23, 2008 at the DPSST training academy in Salem. The meeting agenda included discussion on recently awarded college scholarships for high school students who applied and met the criteria. OPOA is proud to assist these worthy students with furthering

their education. We also discussed upcoming training and the board’s wish to see two training sessions a month. We would like to have training each month in a different part of the state. We invite you to e-mail the OPOA office with any special requests at opoaofc@aol.com.

Discussion was held on the Annual OPOA Conference which will be held November 19-21, 2008 at Agate Beach Inn in Newport, Oregon. We are excited to have confirmation that Lt. Randy Sutton will present “Policing With Honor” during this conference. If you have not seen this presentation it is a must see for both patrol officers and their supervisors. You can get a preview on Lt. Sutton's website at www.policingwithhonor.com.  As we sat in the board room going through the agenda we could hear the bagpipes playing downstairs for the newly graduating men and women of law enforcement. As our meeting came to a close I stepped out and looked over the railing at the crowd in the lobby below. Men and women in crisp new uniforms and gleaming badges, the smiles on their faces evidence they were happy having just completed the grueling 16 weeks of training. The faces on their family members were

shining with pride as they took photos and hugged one another. The children looked up at these new

officers with awe struck looks on their faces. These are the men and women who have chosen to protect

the State of Oregon and communities within it. This was the first day of their new careers and the

feeling of happiness and excitement was held by all who were there.

The next morning Saturday May, 24, 2008 I attended the Skyline Memorial Tribute honoring Military, Police, Fire and EMS Personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The Fort Vancouver Pipe Band was playing at this event but for different reasons than the pipes played at the previous day’s graduation. The families were smiling at times but with a different sort of pride. They were smiling in remembrance of their husband, father, sister or brother who gave his or her life in the name of freedom and protecting their communities. The entire audience was solemn during the 21 gun salute which echoed across the valley. Many shed tears of gratitude as Echo Taps played.

We, as Law Enforcement Personnel, need to remember each and every day what we stand for in

our communities. Go about your jobs with integrity and respect and remember why you took the oath and pinned on the badge. Please note how others see us in the article on page 3. We need to live and work honoring those who have died while serving the people of this nation and our home here in Oregon.

Stay safe and have a great summer with your family, friends and co-workers.