SHERIFF GARRETT SHARES 2020 ANNUAL REPORT |
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Recapping and reflecting on our office's work in 2020 is impossible to do without acknowledging the unprecedented events that punctuated this historic year. A global pandemic, national social unrest, demand for police reform, wildfires, and a presidential election all set the tone for the year, and each one had a wide-reaching impact.
I sincerely thank our staff for their hard work and dedication in service to our community through these challenges. Our professionals proved very skillful at adapting while remaining focused on keeping every community member safe and healthy.
Sheriff's Office professionals remain committed to serving our diverse, vibrant communities in an equitable, just manner and reflective of our core values. Today, I would like to share an in-depth look at WCSO's commitment to community safety through our annual report.
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DEPUTY RESCUES WOMAN FROM BURNING HOME |
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August 11 - Deputies responded to a house fire in the community of Aloha where an 88-year-old woman was unable to escape her burning home. The 9-1-1 dispatcher remained on the phone with the trapped woman until responders arrived, fearful she would lose consciousness from the smoke.
Deputy Friant was first on scene, and seeing heavy smoke coming from the windows and doors, he entered the house without hesitation, knowing someone was trapped inside. As Deputy Friant crawled through the smoke, he followed the woman's voice until he found her sitting at a table, unable to move without a walker. Deputy Friant helped her to the ground to avoid the heavy smoke and safely got her out of the house.
Additional deputies, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, and Metro West Ambulance arrived to fight the fire and render medical aid to the rescued woman. Responders transported her to a local hospital for treatment, where she was later released in good condition. According to the Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue investigator, the fire appeared accidental and originated in the kitchen. "Even though this is a notable event, it's not an uncommon one; this is what we're here for, we're here to help, that's our goal," said Deputy Friant.
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THROUGH THE WATER AND THROUGH THE WOODS |
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July 17 - Deputies responded to an assault call near SW 197th Ave and SW Baseline Rd where 35-year-old Judith Bezzant hit another female in the head with the blunt end of a hatchet during an argument. Bezzant fled on foot as deputies arrived in the area. Sgt. O'Reilly, and his canine partner, Radar, began searching where she was last seen near Beaverton Creek. The canine track led deputies through Beaverton Creek to where Bezzant was hiding in tall grass along the creekbank. Bezzant was arrested for assault in the second degree and several outstanding warrants and was lodged in the Washington County Jail.
Click here to watch a portion of the canine track from Sgt. O'Reilly's body camera. You wouldn't know it, but Canine Radar really dislikes the water! |
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WE'RE HIRING!
Washington County Sheriff's Office is now hiring patrol and jail deputies. If you or anyone you know is interested in making an impact in Washington County, check out our available positions! Visit joinWCSO.com for information on requirements, testing, application process and more. |
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It’s been a busy summer as we work to maintain safe roads for everyone in Washington County.
On July 28, Deputies stopped a driver going 105mph on Hwy 26 near Cornelius Pass Rd, where the speed limit is 55. The driver was cited for speeding ($1,150) and careless driving ($265). A hefty consequence for driving unsafely!
In addition to focused patrols on speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence (DUII), we will also focus on safety belt enforcement in August and early September.
Thank you for obeying traffic laws and keeping our roadways as safe as possible!
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Thank you to all who stopped by to show support for our team at the County Fair! Staff and volunteers enjoyed engaging with community members at our booth and providing security all ten days! It wasn't all work though, we had a great time playing the drums, running the races, catching runaway pigs, taking selfies, and of course, the highlight of interacting with all our new and long-time friends. We greatly appreciated all the smiles and support from the community we love to serve and are already looking forward to next year! |
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On August 3, many Sheriff's Office staff members had the privilege of attending neighborhood get-togethers across the county as we celebrated National Night Out (NNO). During this nationally acknowledged community-building campaign, local law enforcement and other first responders gathered together with neighbors to inspire camaraderie and partnership and promote safe and inviting neighborhoods.
The night brought out our K9 team, motor team, the posse, SWAT vehicle, and many uniformed staff, among others, to provide fun and engaging interactions with our important community members. Feedback from the evening was all positive, as a Bethany resident commented, "The kids were over the moon with all the visitors, and the adults really enjoyed talking with our Washington County law partners. The special visit by Sherriff Pat Garrett was especially appreciated."
Communities came together and did a fantastic job organizing amazing block parties and interactive gatherings. We can't thank you enough for the extended invitations and gracious welcome at each of the many locations. Our calendars are already marked for next year, August 2, 2022, and we hope for even greater participation and more neighborhood involvement. Find out more about the program on our website and start planning for next summer!
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BACK TO SCHOOL WITH A DEPUTY |
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On Saturday, July 31, the Cornelius Police Department welcomed children from Cornelius, Echo Shaw, and Free Orchards Elementary schools to pick up needed supplies for the upcoming academic year. Each year, nearby schools nominate 30 students for this program, which is a highly anticipated event for our deputies and the community. Meeting and creating positive interactions with the children and their families is just as important to our staff as providing the needed school supplies. "The Cornelius Police Department was honored to participate again this year. We appreciated the opportunity to connect with the community and look forward to serving them in the future," said Cornelius Police Chief Bob Ray. Thankfully, we were able to connect with the students in-person this year! |
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UNION PHILANTHROPY AND COMMUNITY IMPACT |
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Along with normal union functions, WCPOA engages in countless off-duty hours and donates thousands of dollars to worthy causes, local youth organizations, and charities every year. They are also prominent supporters of Sheriff's Office-sponsored community programs such as Shop with a Cop and Back to School with a Deputy.
The Sheriff’s Office extends a huge thank you to WCPOA for recently hosting our annual company picnic. Staff and volunteers with their families were invited for a day of fun, food, and camaraderie, a needed pause to appreciate the hard work employees do throughout the year.
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Washington County boasts a variety of special programs to assist our community members, programs that are possible through a collaborative effort from multiple departments, agencies, and organizations. The Washington County Drug Court is one of such programs established to influence those struggling with addiction, break the cycle and change their course, reunite families, and promote public safety. It is a voluntary alternative program for defendants facing serious drug charges.
The average time to complete Drug Court is two and a half years, during which participants must adhere to strict treatment requirements:
- Follow established program rules
- Live in a stable, clean, and sober housing environment
- Gain employment or attend school
- Obtain a sponsor
- Attend all scheduled court appearances
- Stay drug-free
Typically, Drug Court serves 40 participants at a given time, honoring five to ten graduates each year. Unfortunately, COVID-19 and court closures have impacted the number of people entering the program despite increased Fentanyl users.
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Deputy Moser is the current Sheriff's Office liaison working directly with the court, wearing many hats, including mentor, counselor, peer support, coach, and of course, law enforcement provider. "I feel my main role is to support the participants and help keep them drug-free, crime-free, and out of prison," explains Deputy Moser. "This is possible through positive interactions with them and sharing what I've seen in my 20+ years of working with people struggling with addiction." The deputy liaison periodically visits participants at home and work for wellness checks to hold them accountable and encourage them to stay the course.
Deputy Moser shows his passion and belief in this program when he talks about our impact on others. "To walk with them and support them through recovery is by far the best thing I have ever done in this profession. When they walk out the other side knowing that "a cop" fully supported them without judgment or degradation of their past, I truly believe it helps their success in staying clean and sober."
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Drug court is possible through the efforts of Washington County Sheriff's Office, Community Corrections, Health and Human Services, District Attorney's Office, Public Defender's Office, CODA, the State of Oregon Circuit Courts, and Department of Human Services. Other influential programs include Lifeworks, Bridges to Change, Homeward Bound, Peace of Joe, Oxford House, and House of Hope. Anyone is welcome to join the efforts to help those struggling in our community.
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Washington County is in the process of a website redesign. We would greatly appreciate your time taking this five-minute survey focused on what an improved website might look like in the future. Redesign goals include improving navigation and searchability, improving mobile device access, increasing accessibility, and strengthening security.
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