Picketers praise police outside East Precinct in Gateway

Here’s why a group of outer East Portland neighbors arrived outside the Portland Police Bureau East Precinct building, on a sunny Saturday …

In the Gateway District of the Hazelwood neighborhood, neighbors start to gather in front of the Portland Police Bureau East Precinct facility to show their appreciation for their cops.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

It’s not the first time that neighbors have gathered at the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) East Precinct complex, across the street from Floyd Light Middle School, and the East Portland Community Center.

However, February 12 was the most recent occasion for folks to gather with picket signs showing their support for the Portland Police officers and supervisors going in and out of the garage at the afternoon “shift change”.

It’s clear that this PPB East Precinct officer appreciates seeing community support, as he heads out for a evening shift.

“We’re with the Lents Neighborhood Livability Association (LNLA), and we’re here with our signs in hand and a cheery attitude to greet the officers here today,” smiled Brenda Adams, one of the participants.

“It is important to show the officers that we appreciate them, and the good work they do,” Adams told East Portland News after the show of support. “It also shows others, who drive by here on SE 106th Avenue, that there are people who are willing to show their support – without worrying about retaliation from others. Hopefully it has encouraged other people to step up, and to get involved!”

This PPB East Precinct sergeant got to start his shift with a smile, thanks to the community supporters.

“We want to encourage the officers, so they know we support them and appreciate that they risk their lives every day for us,” continued Adams. “So, publicly showing our support offers another narrative, in contrast to all of the negativity that we hear about the police.

“And, was also nice to gather with other like-minded Portlanders, on a beautiful day like today,” Adams pointed out.

This motorcycle officer waves to supporters as he comes back from keeping outer East Portland’s streets a little safer.

The LNLA has been organizing community gatherings to support the Portland Police since 2020, Adams observed – and has also hosted other events, such as “Coffee with a Cop”, working to save the “Feral Cat Skate Cove”, and cleaning up the I-205 Multi-Use Path.

Find out more about the LNLA by visiting their website: CLICK HERE.

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