Most fires can be avoided, Portland Fire & Rescue officials say.
See the devastating results of two such blazes …
After knocking down the fire, Portland Fire & Rescue firefighters move inside on the 10400 block of NE Morris St. to finish extinguishing the blaze that stared in the front-room.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The stillness of the frigid night in Parkrose Heights was shattered late Friday night, January 18, by the sound of wailing and whooping sirens and flashing emergency lights a little after midnight.
Trucks and engines from Portland Fire & Rescue Stations 12, 2, 7, and 30 were racing to a house fire the 10400 block of NE Morris Street. “The fire was ripping so strongly,” a firefighter on the first-arriving truck told us, “you could see it lighting up the sky from NE 102nd Avenue.”
Firefighters, dressed in their heavy turnouts, haul saws up to the roof to cut holes for ventilation and to put out fire that extended to the attic.
Fire lights the sky
Portland Fire & Rescue Battalion Chief C4, Jay Olson, agreed, “The fire was going pretty good. I’m sure the firefighters saw it from a long way away. The front part of the house was fully involved in flames upon arrival. The firefighters quickly knocked down the fire.”
Flames from the front of the house traveled to the back of the home, Olson told us on scene. “The smoke traveled throughout the entire structure.”
This fire presented a challenge Olson added. “Firefighters had to cut in to the roof, tear down ceilings, and go through walls to extinguish the fire.” Firefighters tended the ruins of the house until 5:30 a.m.
Fortunately, fire crews discovered all the occupants had escaped with their dog, said the Battalion Chief.
Although firefighters arrived minutes, one look at this photograph will show how intensely the fire ripped through this Parkrose Heights home.
Escapes midnight blaze
We approached people standing on the curb across from the smoldering home; firefighters suggested they were the neighbors who called in the alarm. We asked what they saw when the called in the alarm.
“Ah, well, actually, it’s our house,” said Josh Schrader. “We haven’t been living here all that long.”
Schrader continued, “My dog woke me up. It let me know there was something going on in the living room. As I was making my way down the stairs I could smell something burning. I got to the living room and I could see that stuff we had in the living room was on fire. I turned around and got everyone out.”
Firefighters pull down the ceiling to make sure all of the fire has been completely extinguished.
The homeowner paused to look for their kitten, and said he couldn’t find it. “I didn’t think we had much time.” Schrader gestured to the woman wrapped in a blanket standing next to him. “Me and her, we made it out with what were wearing.”
Although we didn’t press Schrader, he volunteered, “One good thing is all my fishing gear is in the trailer in the driveway! It’s OK.”
Although the fire was put out quickly, crews remained on the scene looking for flair-ups until 5:30 that morning.
Lessons to be learned
Fire Investigators could not determine if there was a working Smoke Alarm in the home. The cause of the fire was a malfunctioning baseboard heater, which ignited nearby combustible materials.
About this fire, Portland Fire & Rescue spokesman Lt. Dave Centers asked us to remind readers: “Always give any heater or heating device (including hot water heaters) at least 16 to 18 inches of clearance. Do not store or pile combustible materials (paper, clothing, wood, etc.) in these spaces.”
Friday Fire #2
As the other crews pull up, they find the fire was put out quickly by the crew of Truck 11.
A week later, on Friday January 25 – the report of another house fire, in outer East Portland, came in at 1:21 p.m. One minute after the call came in, Portland Fire & Rescue Truck 11 pulled up to the burning home in the 5100 block of SE 85th Avenue, a couple of blocks south of Eastport Plaza.
Pumping water directly from the tank in their engine, the Truck 11 crew rushed in and attacked the fire.
This is the charred room the firefighters saw when the looked in the window.
With minutes, units from Stations 25, 19, and 29 joined their comrades – but the fire was already out, and the damage was done.
The house didn’t look damaged when we arrived. “It looks like a bedroom fire,” said Battalion Chief C3, Pat Davies.
The firefighters removed a burned door and some charred furniture as they “overhauled” [looking for embers and removing burnt material] the bedroom. Burned material is at the feet of the firefighters.
A gentleman talking with fire officials at the home stopped and told us his daughter lived at the house. “I think my granddaughter was playing with matches or a lighter in the bedroom.”
“Damage was extensive enough, to force the two adults and three kids to be displaced from the home,” reported Portland Fire & Rescue spokesperson Kim Kosmas. “The investigator determined that the fire was started by a youth playing with a lighter.”
A Portland Fire & Rescue fire inspector talks with a gentleman who identified himself as the father of the one of the residents of the house.
Lesson to be learned
“Kids are fascinated by fire,” Kosmas told us. “Parents must teach their children that fire is a powerful, destructive force. And, it helps to keep lighters and matches out the reach of small children.”
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Discover who was awarded certificates and medals
by the Portland Police Bureau – and why …
The Portland Police Bureau’s Honor Guard starts off the awards ceremony.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Officers and citizens in Portland Police Bureau’s East and Southeast Precincts took away honors at the Horner Performing Arts Center at David Douglas High School on January 16.
Many officers were given awards. Here are some of the award presentations, as read by the Bureau’s spokespersons – Sgt. Brian Schmautz and Officer Catherine Kent:
EAST PRECINCT
Acting Sergeant Michael Gallagher receives the Portland Police Bureau’s Achievement Medal.
Acting Sergeant Michael Gallagher – Achievement Medal
Officer Mike Gallagher is a dedicated employee of the Portland Police Bureau, who in addition to his regular assignment, volunteers thousands of hours to the East Precinct Cadets and the Bureau’s PEER support team.
Over the years, Gallagher has been a respected leader and advisor for the East Precinct Law Enforcement Cadet Post, which affords youth the opportunity of exploring the field of law enforcement. Officer Gallagher’s mentorship and guidance has greatly assisted youths in their career development, and he leaves a marked impression on youth of service, and dedication to duty and to the community.
Officer Gallagher volunteers numerous administrative hours in maintaining required documents, statistics, and finances. He also provides direct supervision, coordination, instruction, training, and guidance to the youth involved in the program. He is directly involved in detail functions, recruiting, and fundraising, and provides continued education to the cadets.
Additionally, Gallagher has been involved in the PEER assistance program for more than nine years. He helped create the first PEER support team in the Portland Police Bureau, and continues to function as the PEER support coordinator. He spends thousands of volunteer hours making sure that fellow Portland Police Officers remain healthy and on the job.
Gallagher displays great passion for others, and he does it with a smile and deep concern for the safety and welfare of citizens and Bureau members.
(Editor’s note: Mike Gallagher has been helped appreciated by many outer East Portland neighborhoods and business associations because of his assistance and support.)
Lieutenant Tim Sessions receives the Portland Police Bureau’s Achievement Medal.
Lieutenant Tim Sessions – Achievement Medal
Lieutenant Tim Sessions has made a significant contribution to the development and training of Bureau personnel in the multiple disciplines of Radio Communication Systems, Mobile Digital Computers, and the Computer-Aided Dispatch systems used by the Portland Police Bureau.
In 1994, the Computer-Aided Dispatch systems came on line. Lieutenant Tim Sessions, (who at that time was still an officer working night shift) became one of the first CAD/MDC training instructors, writing the training manual and providing initial training to other instructors.
(Editor’s note: Sessions was a great East Precinct sergeant before his recent promotion to lieutenant and his transfer to Southeast Precinct. He worked with many neighborhood outreach programs, including the Summer Cop’s Ice Cream Program with Madison South Neighborhood chair Ruth Hander.)
Sgt. Deborah Steigleder and retired officer Dan Thompson receiving the Portland Police Bureau Life Saving Medal.
Sgt. Deborah Steigleder and retired officer Dan Thompson – Portland Police Bureau Life Saving Medal
On May 21st, 2006, Sergeant Deborah Steigleder and Officer Dan Thompson were dispatched to a residence in Southeast Portland on a report of a Domestic Dispute.
Prior to their arrival, officers received information from police dispatch that the male occupant had tried to strangle the female occupant and that the male occupant had a knife and was about to stab himself.
Steigleder and Thompson knew that the woman inside the residence was likely in grave danger. They entered, made their presence known, and got the endangered female safely out of the house.
The male was in the kitchen area, stabbing himself in the stomach. Sergeant Steigleder and Officer Dan Thompson were too far away from the man to use their less-lethal taser. They gave commands to drop the knife and then approached him. Steigleder’s taser shot stopped the suicidal man’s actions, and they were able to take him into custody without further harm to the himself or to others. Their decisive actions undoubtedly saved several lives.
This large group of officers were honored for the actions they took during the September 6, 2007 family murder and suicide on NE Glisan St.
Police Medals to Officer Todd Christensen, Officer Carlos Pagan, Officer Spencer Sheldon; Achievement Medals to Sergeants David Golliday, Erin Smith, Robert McCormick and Officers John Billard, Lacey Sparling, Heath Kula, Christopher McDonald and Michael Gallagher
On the night of September 6, 2007, East Precinct Officers were dispatched to check on the welfare of a family who resided in Northeast Portland. Police Dispatch had received a call from a concerned friend. The friend had received an e-mail which suggested that the one of the family members might be intent on committing suicide. This was the only information the officers received prior to their arrival.
Officers Todd Christensen, Carlos Pagan and Spencer Sheldon arrived at the location and observed a vehicle idling in the driveway. Officer Sheldon noticed a hose connected to the vehicle exhaust. The hose was being used to transport exhaust fumes from the car into a sealed bedroom in the home. Officer Sheldon immediately disconnected the hose while the other two officers attempted to make entry into the home. Officer Christensen found the back door unlocked and all three officers entered the home, which was now completely engulfed in exhaust fumes. During their search, the officers were increasingly overrun by the exhaust fumes and ported several windows in order to ventilate the home. The officers searched the home for possible survivors and found three people: A father, mother and five-year-old child in one of the bedrooms. Officer Pagan immediately removed the child from the toxic home and began to administer CPR. Officer Christensen assisted in providing CPR to the child until he was later relieved by arriving AMR personnel.
Within minutes, more uniformed personnel arrived on scene, and without hesitation entered the gas-filled home and assisted with ventilating the home, removing victims from the home and providing CPR to the victims. Sergeants Dave Golliday and Robert McCormick, along with Officers Sheldon and Gallagher removed the adult male from the home. Sergeant Smith, Sergeant Golliday and Officer Sparling removed the adult female from the home. Officer Pagan and Officer McDonald helped perform CPR on the adult victims. Officer Kula assisted with the care of the adult victims.
The sergeants’ and officers’ efforts were described by AMR personnel as extraordinary, and the shift lieutenant praised their selfless actions, indicating he had never witnessed such heroic efforts to preserve life. Unfortunately, the duration of the exposure to the toxic gas caused the eventual deaths of all three victims.
Above and beyond
After the ceremony, Commander Michael Crebs commented, “I’m very proud of each and every one of our people. They do good work. They all go above and beyond the call of duty and are committed to the community. You have the finest people serving the citizens of East Precinct.”
SE Precinct Awards
Citizen Susan Kuhnhausen is awarded the Civilian Medal – Heroism.
Citizen Susan Kuhnhausen – Civilian Medal – Heroism
On September 6, 2006, Susan Kuhnhausen, an emergency room nurse, arrived at her Southeast Portland residence to find an armed intruder awaiting her inside the home. The police investigation later revealed that the armed intruder had been hired to kill her. Armed with a hammer, the intruder violently assaulted Ms. Kuhnhausen. Even though she was struck several times, Kuhnhausen kept fighting and never gave up. She wrestled the hammer away from the intruder and hit him on the head. She escaped to a neighbor’s home, and called police.
Her sheer determination to survive this encounter has provided reassurance to crime victims everywhere that anything is possible. Ms. Kuhnhausen has a peace-loving demeanor, and has possessed a very calm and assured composure throughout this arduous event.
Officer Robert Pickett accepts the Commendation Medal for himself and the Certificate of Appreciation for his absent partner, Officer Robert Quick.
Officer Robert Pickett – Commendation Medal; Officer Robert Quick, Certificate of Appreciation
Officer Robert Pickett has been the catalyst to ensuring the success of the bicycle patrol. In addition, Officer Robert Quick has greatly assisted in the overall mission of the bicycle patrol. Their primary mission is to reduce crime and the fear of crime, improve the quality of life in the neighborhoods, improve community and police partnerships and provide an increased police presence in Southeast neighborhoods. The bicycle patrol has accomplished and often times exceeded this mission. They have worked alongside the community to identify problem areas that were negatively impacting the neighborhoods. The identified problems included: homelessness, inebriated subjects panhandling and trespassing, graffiti, car prowls and the lack of visible police presence.
Area residents have not only expressed their gratitude to the bike officers, but have written numerous letters praising the officers for their work.
The bicycle officers rescued one suicide jumper from the Sellwood Bridge and arrested a prolific sex offender who was harassing women as they jogged in inner SE Portland. The bicycle patrol has made a positive imprint on Southeast Portland.
Officer West Helfrich accepts the Life Saving Medal for himself for his absent partner, Officer Tim Lowry.
Officers West Helfrich and Tim Lowry – Life Saving Medal
On June 9, 2006, Officers West Helfrich and Tim Lowry were dispatched to a residence in Southeast Portland on a report of a suicidal subject.
On their arrival, the officers observed a distraught man leaning out of a fourth-story window with more than 30 pounds of weightlifting weights tied around his neck and chest. Officer Helfrich heard the man state: “I might as well get this over with”! Recognizing the immediate danger, Officer Helfrich distracted the man by yelling to him, “Hold on a minute, I have something to give you.”
This action allowed the officers to buy valuable time. Officer Helfrich ran up four flights of stairs to the man’s apartment. Officer Lowry engaged the man in conversation, which was successful in delaying any attempts by the man to jump from the window. Locating the man’s apartment, Officer Helfrich quietly snuck up behind the man, grabbed him by the belt line and collar and dragged the man off the window ledge. The man indicated that he was depressed and suicidal. The officers then transported the man to a hospital to receive medical treatment.
SE Precinct Commander Derek Foxworth wasn’t available at the event to comment on the awards in his precinct.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Flash! Bang! See how many suspected drug dealers – and a meth lab – were busted during early-morning Centennial and Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood missions …
Doesn’t look very inviting, does it? Oregon State Police say they found what they suspect is a meth lab in this trailer – and a bunch of seedy-looking folks they suspect were making drugs, dealing or using and/or theft suspects. OSP photo
Story and some photos by David F. Ashton
The Flash-Bang Grenades that disturbed neighbors in the Centennial and Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhoods in the early hours of Jan. 18 was like, as one described it, waking up in a war zone.
“I thought I was being bombed by terrorists,” says Harold Jestings, a resident in the trailer park at SE 118th & SE Division St. in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood.
It was, in fact, members of the Oregon State Police Meth Initiative Team (OSPMIT), with OSP troopers, serving a search warrant on the trailer in space #9.
State Police say they suspect this equipment and these supplies were used to manufacture methamphetamine. OSP photo
“A total of nine people were taken into custody without incident. Evidence of a methamphetamine manufacturing operation was found at the scene including chemicals and glassware,” reports OSP Lieutenant Gregg Hastings.
“An investigation by OSPMIT detectives led to the arrest of nine people Friday morning in SE Portland on multiple charges,” Hasting continues. “The arrests stemmed from a joint investigation in Tillamook County earlier this month and included an arrest of a Pendleton-area woman wanted on an escape charge.”
In addition to the drug charges, Hastings adds, two of the women were arrested on theft charges after they were found in possession of a stolen coat and cell phone. The theft victim contacted detectives at the scene about the theft and the connection was made when the female suspects had possession the stolen property described by the victim.
The following nine people were taken into custody and will be transported and booked at Multnomah County Jail:
Suspects Beldon Dewing, Duane Dodson and Justin James Young
Beldon (Toby) Avery Dewing, age 49, from SE Portland
- Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance – Heroin
- Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine
- Unlawful Manufacturing a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine
- Conspiracy to Manufacture a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine
- Frequenting a Place Where Controlled Substances are Used
- Possession of Precursor Substance with Intent to Manufacture Controlled Substances
- Multnomah County Warrant – Fail to Appear for Drug Treatment
Duane Oliver Dodson age 53, from SE Portland
- Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine
- Unlawful Manufacturing a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine
- Conspiracy to Manufacture a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine
- Frequenting a Place Where Controlled Substances are Used
- Possession of a Precursor Substance with Intent to Manufacture Controlled Substances
Justin James Young, age 18, from SE Portland
- Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine
- Frequenting a Place Where Controlled Substances are Used
Suspects Kristina Warrilow, Nathan Camerino and Mandi Malone
Kristina Marie Warrilow, age 18, from SE Portland
- Frequenting a Place Where Controlled Substances are Used
Nathan Anthony Camerino, age 39, from SE Portland
- Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine
- Frequenting a Place Where Controlled Substances are Used
Mandi Jo Malone, age 29, from Pendleton
- Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine
- Frequenting a Place Where Controlled Substances are Used
- Theft in the Second Degree
- Umatilla County Warrants – Escape in the Third Degree, DUII, and Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance
Suspects Tracy Young, James Ray and Shea Rickerd
Tracy Leann Young, age 47, from SE Portland
- Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine
- Conspiracy to Manufacture a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine
- Frequenting a Place Where Controlled Substances are Used
Probation Violation
James Douglas Ray, age 57, from Tualatin
- Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine
- Frequenting a Place Where Controlled Substances are Used
Shalina (Shea) Marie Rickerd, age 24, from SE Portland
- Theft in the Second Degree
- Frequenting a Place Where Controlled Substances are Used
Portland Police stage raids in Centennial
A squad of heavily-armed officers stormed this home, and the travel trailer behind it – and two other homes – as they executed search warrants in the Centennial Neighborhood.
Also, before the dawn broke on Jan. 18, Portland Police Bureau SERT with the assistance of tactical teams from Washington County and Oregon State Police executed search warrants three other residences.
“Teams were at residences in the 16000 block of SE Powell Blvd., 16900 block of SE Powell Blvd., and the 7300 block of SE Harney St. on behalf of the Drugs and Vice Division who were conducting a long term narcotics investigation,” stated Portland Police Bureau’s Sgt. Brian Schmautz.
Schmautz adds that members of the US Marshals Oregon Fugitive Task Force also assisted in the execution of the warrants.
Investigators arrested 44-year-old Jose Barragon-Garcia and 43-year-old Rosa Reyes-Inda and charged both with one count of Distribution of a Controlled Substance and one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance.
26-year-old Edwardo Ochoa-Reyes has also been taken into custody on a US Marshals narcotics related warrant.
“Information regarding the specific items seized during the warrant aren’t available at this time, Schmautz adds.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
It wasn’t due to loud protests; it wasn’t that they filled the room at the meeting – read why Portland’s top cop changed her mind about moving the ‘hood to NE Precinct …
Portland Police Bureau Assistant Chief Lynnae Berg explains why the Bureau wants to make changes to both district and precinct boundaries.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In an exclusive story we brought you last week – we told you how, under Portland Police Bureau Chief Rosie Sizer’s direction, a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders is convening to examine the district configurations of each precinct and make recommendations to more equitably balance the call load within the precincts.
Chief Sizer said she asked the committee to consider common-sense precinct boundary and district realignments, instead of making broad changes.
Bureau makes their case
At a December 15 meeting held at the Banfield Corporate Office, on NE 82nd Avenue of Roses, Sizer attended the meeting, but Portland Police Bureau’s assistant chief, Lynnae Berg, was the one who laid out the “how’s and why’s” about the city wanted to change districts [patrol areas within police precincts] – and the boundaries of two precincts themselves.
“We’re working to equalize the top call loads between 5 and 10% for each district within the precinct,” Berg explained.
Berg recounted the number of calls in various districts. Citizens at the meeting said they understood, for the most part, the value of moving district loads to increase police response time.
Moving Madison South Neighborhood to NE Precinct
Members of the Madison South neighborhood Association took exception, however, to their district, 920, being moved to Northeast Precinct.
“One of the challenges we all have in making recommendations,” said Berg, “is the neighborhoods in 920 are very involved in community at policing in East Precinct. The change in precinct alignment, and some other relationships, is one of the challenges we talked about.”
East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs says he appreciates all of the citizens who contribute to community policing.
Commendations and introductions
East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs spoke up: “Regardless of the outcome of this meeting tonight, community policing in East Precinct will continue to thrive. We appreciate all of our citizens who contribute so much to community policing here in outer East Portland.”
Chief Sizer then broke in, commenting, “Commander Crebs is a very capable commander. We all appreciate the work that he is doing there.”
Introducing the new NE Precinct Commander, James Ferraris, Sizer added, “He’s starting on Monday, so I thought it was important for him, because he will be potentially impacted by any precinct boundaries changes, to know who the new commander is, and be able to ask him questions.”
Ferraris spoke up, saying, “I know this is a real struggle for people to consider change. I grew up in East Portland, my mother lives here.”
To the many Madison South neighbors present, he added, “If we make these boundary changes, you will be welcomed in Northeast precinct. I will use Mike Crebs as a role model to develop the same partnerships with you that he has in East Precinct. Our doors are open to you.”
Questions and nose counts
The police brass was asked about changes in response times if the changes were made to the precinct boundaries. The response: Commander Crebs aligns how officers are assigned to small sections within each precinct, called a district.
Assistant Chief Berg asked for a show of hands of how many of those attending the meeting were from the Madison South Neighborhood. Almost all the hands in the room and went up. When she asked how many of those in the room were from the Hollywood neighborhood, there was no response.
“This feels a little bit like being at the Iowa caucuses,” quipped Chief Sizer.
Neighbors learned the Northeast Precinct offices are located at Martin Luther King Boulevard at North Killingsworth Street. This raised questions about response times to District 920 – especially near shift-change.
Chief Sizer commented that when call loads are equalized and go down in any given district, the opportunity for the officers to self-initiate problem-solving goes up. “This is why were working to equalize the call load within our districts.”
East Precinct Block Captain chair Dave Smith, also a Madison South Neighborhood resident, eloquently states why residents in their area feels strongly tied to East Precinct.
Mr. Smith speaks for neighbors
Dave Smith was recognized when he asked to make this statement:
“I’m a member of the Madison South Neighborhood Association. Like many of us I became involved in the neighborhood association because of my interest in the viability of my own immediate neighborhood.
“Many of us in Madison South have become involved with the Portland Police Bureau through our association with the officers and staff at East Precinct. We’ve not only worked to secure the safety and security of Madison South, we also extend ourselves to the greater community that comprises the precinct.
“Our neighbors are volunteers for the foot patrol, block watch, apartment watch, and the commander’s community advisory committee. And we have a block captain coordinator, community advocates who worked to improve the lives of East precinct citizens through education, and exposure to the positive values of the Portland Police Bureau.
“Community policing is an important philosophy for the Bureau. Community policing entails more than the police being friendly to the community. I would suggest that the concept of community policing is the interrelationship between the community and the police working together to ensure safe and viable neighborhoods.
“Madison South is a good example of that sought after relationship.
“We and the officers of East Precinct are authentic members of the same community. You will have to decide how to best read district the Portland Police Bureau.
“There are two primary considerations to be evaluated. One is a simple and arbitrary geographical boundary. The other is the personal, relational community oriented one, that is community policing in action.
“I would challenge you to make an exception to your proposed boundary redistricting, and leave Madison South Neighborhood in East Precinct.”
Asking for the Chief’s indulgence, East PDX News requested to see how many Madison South neighbors, by a simple show of hands, supported Smith’s statement. All hands went up.
Portland Police Bureau Assistant Chief Lynnae Berg, Chief Rosie Sizer, East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs and incomming NE Precinct Commander James Ferraris listen as Madison South neighbors advocate for staying within East Precinct.
Questions non-transferable relations
Chief Sizer asked, “Are these relationships non-transferable?”
Smith responded, “Close to four years ago, Commander Greg Hendricks asked me to coordinate the Block Captain program. When I started I had a pronounced sense of “us and them”. Initially it was very frustrating to work with officers.” Over time, he said, we broke down that barrier and earned their respect. “I don’t know if I have the energy to start over.”
Smith concluded, “We have something unique with East Precinct. I would hate to see this fall by the wayside.”
Around the room several Madison neighbors said their feelings about community policing were based upon the good relationships they’ve developed with the officers and leadership of East Precinct.
Before the meeting ended, Chief Sizer came to a decision, without feeling the need for an additional meeting in the area regarding the topic of moving Madison South to the Northeast Precinct.
Madison South Neighborhood chair, Ruth Hander, is pleased to hear their district will remain in East Precinct.
“Members of the Madison South community have developed strong ties with the officers and command staff at East Precinct. Their reasons for remaining in East Precinct were compelling,” Sizer stated.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
They’re not concerned about how district resources are shifted around – but these neighbors say they’ll fight to stay part of East Precinct. You might want to attend this January 15 meeting, too …
Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs says Madison South has a “model relationship” with the precinct.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In an effort to improve police response times and improve service, Portland Police Bureau’s chief, Rosie Sizer, has put together a committee to look at redistricting within police precincts, and changing some precinct boundaries.
And, when one looks at a map illustrating police precinct boundary lines, one might well wonder why the Hollywood community is actually in East Precinct. Most East Precinct neighborhoods are along 82nd Avenue of Roses, and eastward to the Gresham city line.
Examining culture and demographics
We talked with Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs, to better understand this effort.
“They put together a committee to examine the culture and demographics in the city,” Crebs told us. “We’ve found that some district [patrol areas within a precinct] officers were really busy. Officers are running from call, to call, to call. This means a slower response time within their area.”
Other districts, Crebs added, have lower calls for service. “The idea is to move some district boundaries to allow for faster response time, and allow officers more time for neighborhood crime problem-solving.”
Ruth Hander, Chair of the Madison South Neighborhood Association, organized East Precinct’s “Ice Cream Cops” outreach program this summer with Sergeant (now Lieutenant) Timothy Sessions.
Says Madison South should stay in East Precinct
The Madison South neighborhood lies along the western edge of NE 82nd Avenue of Roses, north of Montavilla. Along with the Hollywood area, Sizer’s committee has indicated they might be moved into the jurisdiction of Northeast Precinct.
“A lot of us don’t like this idea,” Ruth Hander, Chair of the Madison South Neighborhood Association, told us when we talked with her. “We’re physically closer to East Precinct and have a high degree of involvement with the precinct, its officers, and its commander.”
Hander pointed that East Precinct’s Block Captain Coordinator is a Madison South resident. “I’m one of East Precinct’s ‘trunk ladies’. We volunteer to restock the trunks of the precinct’s patrol cars, making sure they have all necessary supplies at all times.”
Additionally, Hander pointed out that members from her neighborhood have gone before the Portland City Council to advocate for funding, and they take an active part in outreach programs.
“If they’re looking for a model of ‘community policing’, you won’t find this concept more strongly than right here,” Hander added. “We don’t have that many calls – I think, about 4% [of the precinct’s call load]. Why change it? We’re very much connected with East Precinct.”
Calls it a ‘model relationship’
Commander Crebs said that his officers have a great relationship with the citizens of the Hollywood area.
But, he agreed with Hander’s assessment of police relations between East Precinct and Madison South, adding, “We have a model relationship with this neighborhood. Between the officers and the citizens, there is none better.”
Here’s a look at the northern portion of East Precinct’s territory. PPB graphic enhanced by EastPDXnews.com
Precinct redistricting meetings
There are several upcoming opportunities to view proposed boundary changes, learn about redistricting recommendations, and provide feedback.
East Precinct (First of two)
Jan. 15, 2008 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Banfield Corporate Office, 8000 NE Tillamook
Information: 503-823-4800Southeast Precinct
Jan. 22, 2008 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
SE Precinct Community Room
4735 E. Burnside
Information: 503-823-2143East Precinct (Second of two)
Feb. 26, 2008 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Banfield Corporate Office
8000 NE Tillamook
Information: 503-823-4800
“Come and let your voice by heard by the Chief of Police,” Crebs said. “This process will change the precinct. If you live in Hollywood or Madison South, come let your voice be heard. Chief Sizer needs good input to be able to make the best decision on behalf of the citizens.”
Hander added, “If you want to keep the great officers you see right now, come to the meeting and speak up.”
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
You have seen our stories about the September start-of-school program by the same name – we were surprised to see this holiday “Shop-with-a-Cop” version. See why 38 kids’ Christmas was a little brighter …
This crowd of happy Fred Meyer Gateway shoppers are about to go on a shopping spree, with Portland Police Bureau officers as their personal shopping assistants.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When Portland Police Bureau officers converged on the Gateway Fred Meyer store just before Christmas, they weren’t carrying handcuffs or Tazers – instead, they had gift cards in hand!
Troy Harding, store director Gateway Fred Meyer, explained, “38 needy kids are here, shopping for clothing and other things they need, thanks to the Portland Police Bureau’s Sunshine Division, and other sponsors.”
Harding said Fred Meyer participates in the event “Because we are a part of the community. We want to be able to help where we can. And, because our store provides one-stop shopping, they can get anything they need right here.”
Portland Police Bureau chief Rosie Sizer takes charge of a shopping cart as she and Cody Mode, an 8th grader at Alice Ott Middle School, head into the store.
We learned that this is called the “Izzy’s Kids Holiday Event”, named in honor of Isabell Hoyt, a longtime Sunshine Division volunteer with a particular concern for the welfare of Portland’s children.
This program permits Portland Police officers to identify school-age children whose families cannot afford to outfit them with essential new school clothes.
With gift card in hand Chief Sizer and Cody shop for warm, winter clothing – and a couple of cool T-shirts.
“I really enjoy participating in this, as well as our Fall Shop-with-a-Cop event,” Sizer told us. “Kids not only get new school clothes, but also get to make a positive, personal connection with law enforcement officers.”
After the shopping spree, the kids attended an ice cream feast at the nearby Fir Ridge Campus of David Douglas High Schools.
The event was sponsored by Sunshine Division in partnership with the Portland Police Bureau, Fred Meyer, and Commerce Bank.
Formerly a lieutenant at East Precinct, Captain Chris Uehara, now at Family Services Division, helps a youngster pick out the perfect “hoodie” jacket.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Although this particular investigation isn’t over yet, keep in mind three important driving tips – of which you’ll be reminded, by reading this article …
Picture a 12-year-old boy walking toward us within the crosswalk – when suddenly he’s hit so hard by a westbound car that his head cracks the windshield. It happened, right here, on January 9th.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Dark mornings, foggy windshields, and distracted drivers can turn an average morning’s commute into a tragic situation.
Anyone who frequently travels on SE Stark and crosses SE 108th Avenue – that’s where SE Washington Street splits off, heading westbound – has seen the well-marked pedestrian crosswalk at that intersection. Other alert drivers will have noted that Floyd Light Middle School’s parking lot starts just south of the intersection.
Split second of inattention nearly claims a kid’s life
That crosswalk was the scene of a heartrending, avoidable accident early on Wednesday, January 9.
About 7:30 a.m., a 12-year-old student at Floyd Light Middle School was heading to school. As he stepped into the crosswalk, walking south, toward his school, one westbound car stopped for him – as required by law.
But another driver, identified by police investigators as 63-year-old Dinh Van Mai, was also heading west, driving a 1990 Toyota.
He didn’t stop.
“The window in Mai’s car was fogged over,” Sgt. Brian Schmautz, Portland Police Bureau’s spokesman, told us. “The driver hadn’t taken the time to clear the fog off of his windshield. He was wiping it off at the time of the incident.”
Witnesses said the boy’s head cracked Mai’s windshield; emergency radio reports by paramedics stated that blood was flowing from the boy’s ears as he lay on the pavement.
The boy remained conscious, did remember being hit and was transported to Oregon Health and Science University with traumatic, but reportedly non-life-threatening, injuries.
The accident that took place at this crosswalk could have been avoided.
Lessons to be learned
We’re not releasing photos of the young man’s blood on the pavement.
And the only reason we’re bringing you a detailed report of the young man’s injuries is to draw your attention to the three situations that in this case will, forever, alter one young person’s life.
- Clear your vehicle’s windows before you start driving. A life may depend on your being able to see.
- Look out for pedestrians who may be in crosswalks. Legally, a crosswalk – whether or not it is marked – is at any street intersection.
- When a car is stopped at or near a crosswalk or intersection – think before you swerve and pass the “idiot” stopped there. That driver may well be yielding right-of-way to a pedestrian.
By the way, Mai remained at the scene and talked to police. Investigators say they will wait for the analysis from the collision reconstruction to make a final conclusion before issuing any citations.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
‘Uncooperative’ guests at this Madison South party may have well helped a gunman get away with murder …
Police say the New Year’s Eve revelers at this house didn’t want to stop partying – even as a fellow-celebrant lay dying from gunshot wounds in front of the residence.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The fact that gunshots rang out – and that a guest at their New Year’s Eve party, 25-year-old Christopher Adam Monette, lay fatally wounded on the residence’s front walkway – didn’t stop the party at 8407 NE Thompson Street, police say.
Just after midnight, we pulled up and found NE Thompson Street – across from Madison High’s sports field – sporting yellow “Police Line; Do Not Cross” tape. A dozen police cars were parked along both sides of SE 82nd Avenue of Roses.
Patrol cars were lined up on NE Thompson Street, both east and west of NE 82nd Avenue of Roses, as police looked for a deadly gunman who left on foot.
We spoke briefly with Portland Police Bureau’s East Precinct Lt. Kevin Modica; but he followed protocol and politely declined to confirm information we’d gleaned by following the police radio calls regarding the event.
Parked in an otherwise empty lot on the corner, we saw a car, doors still open, which was said to have contained five individuals who left the party soon after the shooting.
Murder, minutes before midnight
“There was a ‘disturbance call’ from the house,” Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Sgt. Brian Schmautz told us, when we asked him to fill us in regarding this case.
Officials say it isn’t clear why this man, 25-year-old Christopher Adam Monette, a resident of North Portland, was gunned down minutes before 2008 began.
“We’re not sure why the incident took place, but we do know that the victim was deceased, lying near the street in front of the home on NE Thompson Street at twelve minutes until midnight on New Year’s Eve,” said Schmautz. “The Multnomah County Medical Examiner performed an autopsy on Monette; the finding was murder.”
Reading reports filed by several officers, Schmautz observed, “The party-goers were very uncooperative. One report indicates that people at the party seemed unconcerned that a guest at that party now lay dead in front of the house. They wanted to keep the party going.”
Although five people were stopped as they left the party who we believe were riding in this car, police say none of them was the shooter.
Regarding the five individuals who fled the party in the car, and then scattered when the vehicle was stopped by police, Schmautz said that all of them were apprehended and questioned – none was arrested.
Both victim and shooter attend party
Investigators do not believe this shooting to be a random act, Schmautz revealed. “Both the suspect and victim were attending the party at the listed location.”
As of this report, no suspect is in custody. Schmautz says the suspect is described as a black male in his early 20’s, 5’8″, 150-160 pounds, wearing dark clothing.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Detective Ken Whattam or Detective Rico Beniga at 503-823-0400.
This investigation is continuing.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See why police say there wasn’t anything the driver could have done differently to avoid this New Year’s Eve fatal accident …
SE Powell Blvd. was closed for most of New Year’s Eve while officials from the Portland Police Bureau’s Fatal Crash Team investigated the death of a pedestrian.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
80-year-old Joan Catherine Blake didn’t live to see 2008. She died after she stepped off the curb, wearing dark-colored clothing, to cross SE Powell Boulevard near SE 84th Avenue on New Year’s Eve.
Blake was said to have lived by herself in a seniors’ residence, a block south of the accident.
So poorly lit was the accident scene, we had difficulty focusing on the bright orange traffic cones that marked the site of the fatality. The mishap did not occur in a crosswalk.
“The driver, 44-year-old Thomas Lynn Meeker, was eastbound on SE Powell Boulevard,” Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz reported. “Meeker struck Blake who was crossing SE Powell; he remained at the scene and cooperated with police.”
Traffic Investigators believe neither alcohol nor speed were factors in the collision. And, at this time, no citations have been issued to Meeker.
The investigation is continuing.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Find out why the men and women who prefer green for the color of their work attire give time and money to youngsters who have so little …
The program supervisor at the county jail, Elizabeth Daily (left, red blouse), and other Multnomah County Corrections workers, get ready to hand out the child-specific bundles of toys and clothes they purchased and wrapped for the occasion.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As one may imagine, Christmas can be an unhappy and stressful time for kids of parents who are homeless.
But for 18 years now, members of Local 88/Deputy Sheriff’s Association and Multnomah County Corrections Association have pitched in to help make the Holidays brighter for these kids.
“The day we hold our annual holiday party for the Community Transitions School children,” says Elizabeth Daily, Program Supervisor of the Facilities Security Unit, Multnomah County Inverness Jail, “is always special.”
Dep. Moaning, a veteran, 25-year MSCO corrections officer helps out at the event, on her day off. She’s giving out Honorary Sheriff’s Deputy badges.
“The Community Transitions School is a community-based program that teaches children who are homeless. It helps the children be in a school with other children, all coming from the same family environment as them. Instructors at the school recognize that the children have needs that can’t always be taken care of in a traditional school situation.”
Daily told us that each child at the Holiday event gets four gifts: Two of clothing, and two of toys. “Each gift is specifically chosen for each child; it isn’t a ‘grab bag’. And, everything – the toys, clothes, and pizza for the party – are all donated. Nothing comes out of the Sheriff’s Office budget.”
In the absence of Sheriff Bernie Giusto, Raimond Adgers, Facility Commander, Multnomah County Inverness Jail, (front and center), leads a “singing contest” among the jail’s staffmembers and Deputies.
Sheriff misses party
For the first year we can remember, Multnomah County Sheriff Bernie Giusto missed the party. He was talking with County Chair Ted Wheeler about the jail’s management – the same meeting at which he says he was misquoted about retiring from his position.
Raimond Adgers, Facility Commander of Multnomah County’s Inverness Jail, handled the Master of Ceremonies duties. The kids, and their teenage mentors from Wilson High School, sang songs, and participated in the day’s entertainment.
Commander Adgers thanks the kids for a handmade “thank you” card.
Chief Deputy Ron Bishop leads the kids in the official swearing-in of the “Junior Deputies”.
The kids who come to this special party get more than gifts.
“Hopefully, our event helps teach these kids,” Daily said, “that interaction with police officers can be positive. Most of these kids only experience uniformed presence when they are in a highly emotional situation. It is important to us to let them know we are here to keep them safe. Here, they get to see that they are real people who care about them and their community.”
Providing energetic entertainment is Vancouver’s own Curtis Carlyle.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
The accused caused thousands in damage to a business – and then wrecked his SUV during the chase. You’ll never guess what he actually trashed a store to steal …
Officers write up their reports, looking at the SUV that plowed through heavy brush and stuck a guard as the driver tried, unsuccessfully, to elude police.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Most folks in Sellwood were winding down, getting ready to settle into the four-day New Year’s weekend, late in the evening of Friday, December 28.
But on that evening, a man, sitting alone in a white 1998 Ford Explorer, outside a business at 8636 SE 17th Avenue in Sellwood, took a swig from a bottle of booze, perhaps screwing up the courage he needed to burglarize the shop he was eyeing.
At 10:06 p.m., police dispatch got a call from a citizen, reporting a man breaking into a lighting fixture business. As they got the description from the caller, dispatchers broadcast officers, asking them to be on the lookout for a white male, average height, late 30s in age, driving a white SUV.
After losing control of his truck, the banged-up bandit, accused of a Sellwood burglary, is strapped to a gurney.
Two minutes later, a patrol car spotted the truck, driving in the dark with its lights off, northbound on SE 17th Avenue, and started following it. At 10:10 p.m., another police officer spoted the truck – and the following patrol car – heading east on SE Tacoma Street, and picking up speed.
Officers reported that they spotted the driver throwing items out of his truck – perhaps a plastic bag and beer cans.
By now fleeing over the Tacoma Overpass, the SUV made a hard left turn on SE 25th Avenue, and squealed onto a business access road under the overpass, and just east of McLoughlin Boulevard. The driver lost control of his vehicle then, mowing down 20 feet of thick brush beside the street.
Cops say the tipsy thief being loaded into the ambulance got a ride to the hospital – with a police officer at his side.
The pursuit ended when the Explorer rammed, head-on, into the end of a thick, firmly rooted steel guardrail. Within minutes, the crew from Westmoreland’s Engine 20 was on-scene, extricating the tipsy thief.
Although he’s an accused drunk driver and burglar, the man was carefully secured on a backboard, strapped to a gurney, and rushed off to Adventist Medical Center – accompanied by a police officer.
41-year-old William Andrew Diamond is the guy police say racked up four charges within fifteen minutes, has a criminal record.
Adds to his criminal record
In addition to filling in details of this abbreviated crime spree, Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz told us the alleged drunken thief is 41-year-old William Andrew Diamond. “He has established quite a record for himself,” he noted.
“He must have gotten banged up,” Schmautz added; “he didn’t get booked until the following day.”
Lynn Keller, partner in KH Lighting, Inc., says he can’t believe all the damage the botched burglary did to their business – which only netted the crook a roll of postage stamps.
Thousands in damage for – postage stamps
A few days after the incident, we visited the business, KH Lighting, Inc., formerly known as Keller’s Home Lighting, a Sellwood-based firm that has designed and manufactured custom lighting fixtures for many of the top architectural and design firms in the nation since 1964.
One of the business’ owners, Lynn Keller, greeted us as we enter. Plywood covered a broken-out 8′ x 8′ plate glass window in the front room.
“From what we can tell, he just picked up a rock and threw it through the window. The glass will cost about $450 to replace,” reported Keller. “And, he damaged the $2,000 worth of finished lighting fixtures he stumbled over.”
“What was stolen?” we asked.
“Of all things,” replies Keller, “A roll of postage stamps. We didn’t find anything else missing. My brother, David, is going to testify at the grand jury against him. I hope they put this guy away.”
After mowing down thick brush and saplings, the accused thief’s get-away car was heavily damaged as it struck a steel guard rail head-on.
Draws four charges
According to Sgt. Schmautz, Diamond is charged with Burglary in the 2nd Degree, Attempt to Elude Police Officers, Criminal Mischief in the 1st Degree, and Driving While Intoxicated or Impaired (DWII).
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
In a split-second, one driver’s inattention sends another driver to the hospital. Remember these photos when you’re driving at night …
Officials say it took Portland Fire & Rescue workers considerable effort to safely remove the driver of the Mazda Protégé after it was struck by the Toyota SUV.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although it was dark by 6:30 p.m., on New Year’s Eve, neither of the drivers of the two vehicles that collided in Powellhurst-Gilbert had been drinking. Officials say it was simply a moment’s inattention that led to the traumatic intersection crash.
So severe was the pile-up, a Portland Fire & Rescue truck was called to the motor vehicle accident at the intersection of SE 104th Avenue and SE Holgate Boulevard simply to extricate 45-year-old Caroline Scott from her 1999 Mazda Protégé.
Turns in front of traffic
Scott, according to Portland Police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz, was westbound on SE Holgate Boulevard. “There wasn’t an indication of excessive speed or impairment.”
Officials warn that taking your eyes off the road, even for a moment, can result in a life-threatening crash like this one.
The other vehicle involved, a black 1994 Toyota 4-Runner, was driven by 27-year-old Elysia Simmons.
A passenger riding in the Toyota told us at the scene, “We were going east on Holgate, turning left (north) on 104th. I yelled when I saw the car coming, and she hit the brakes.”
Simmons was cited for Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
