The Green Hornet

 MCSO eNewsletter

 Your 24/7 Human Services
 and Public Safety Agency 
 
MAY
2011
In this issue
Celebrating with Sybil
NOBLE
Vacation Home Check
Drug Turn In
Gayle Burrows
Varro
Upcoming Events
Twitter With Us
Kid's Fest
Mike Kellogg
Sustainability at MCSO
Benevolent Fund
Members Honored by American Legion
International Visitors Go for a Ride Along
River Patrol Award
Disaster Check List
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Celebrating with Sybil Plumlee

 

Sybil

Sheriff Staton, Sybil Plumlee, Lt. Lindstrand, Frank Springer 

 

On April 29th, 2011,  retired Portland Police Officer Sybil Plumlee turned 100. She was surrounded by friends and family including her great niece MCSO Lt Mary Lindstrand and Sheriff Dan Staton.  Also among those in attendance was retired Portland Police Sergeant Frank Springer, who turned 99 in March.

 

Sybil retired from PPB 50 years ago after spending 20 years in the Women and Children's Division;  Badge 357. Her retirement has not slowed her down a bit as she enjoys traveling, genealogy, family and friends.  Happy Birthday Sybil!

flyer 

 

 NOBLE Conference 

 

 

NOBLE conference

Lt. Derrick Peterson, Chief Deputy Mike  Shults, Lt. Jose Martinez, Sheriff Dan Staton,  Lt. Vera

Pool, Deputy Norma Gaines, Deputy Steve Gilliam, Sgt. Louise Moaning, Deputy Roderick Lightner

 

National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives ( NOBLE) Region 6 held its annual regional conference in Portland, Oregon from April 28th-May 1st, 2011.  The conference was very successful with attendees from Arizona, California, Washington, New Jersey and Oregon.


Top officials in attendance included Attorney General John Kroger, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Shrunk, Bureau of Labor and Industries Commissioner Brad Avkian, County Commissioner Loretta Smith, Multnomah County Sheriff Dan Staton, and Portland Police Chief Mike Reece.   

 

Judge Adrienne Nelson, Retired State Senator Margaret Carter and a variety of local pastors participated in a forum with law enforcement executives on Friday morning.  The forum, moderated by Pastor Matt Hennessee from Vancouver First Avenue Baptist Church, was highly regarded for its proactive methods to handle crisis incidents.

 

The chair of the conference, MCSO Lt. Vera C. Pool, has been a member since 1980 and currently serves as a member of the conference site selection committee.


Vacation Home Check Program

 

If you have ever gone away for the weekend, or on an extended vacation somewhere, you know the feeling of worrying if your home is safe and secure in your absence.  

 

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) Vacation Home Check Program allows homeowners to request extra patrols at their residence while they are out of town for an extended period of time (typically longer then two nights).  This service is available to homeowners that live in unincorporated Multnomah County, the City of Wood Village, or the City of Maywood Park.    

 

vacationHomeowners are encouraged to notify MCSO whenever they are going to be out of town so that patrol deputies assigned to your neighborhood are aware of when your house should be unoccupied and what persons or vehicles are allowed to be there in your absence.   

 

When requested, MCSO deputies will stop by your residence as often as possible during the course of their daily patrol duties and conduct a "premise check" of your residence.  This includes checking exterior doors, exterior windows, and most outbuildings to insure that they are locked and secure.  Any suspicious activity, such as an unlocked/unsecured exterior door or window is checked out immediately. Our deputy will make every attempt to secure that door or window before leaving your property.  If it appears that a crime has occurred (like a burglary), the patrol deputy will make every effort to contact you as soon as possible.   

 

If you'd like MCSO patrol deputies to keep an extra eye on your house while you are out of town, please call the MCSO Law Enforcement Records Unit at 503-255-3600, extension 0.  Please be prepared to give the following information: 

  • Name of residents
  • Address of your residence
  • Date leaving
  • Date returning
  • Any authorized visitors (house sitters, pet sitters, etc)
  •  Any authorized vehicles (vehicles left at the residence and vehicles that will be stopping by)
  • Emergency contact information (including local responders like neighbor, family members, people who could respond to your home quickly if called by a deputy)
  • Any special information (are there pets at the house, firearms in the house, recent problems/threats made by family, friends or neighbors, etc.)

drugs 

Last weekend MCSO collected six boxes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs (boxes are about a meter cubed) totaling 165lb.

 

Nationwide, Americans turned in 242,000 pounds-121 tons-of prescription drugs at nearly 4,100 sites operated by the DEA and more than 3,000 state and local law enforcement partners.  

 

"The positive impact this program has had on the community is very encouraging," said Multnomah County Sheriff Daniel Staton. "Its success thus far is a testament to local and federal partners working together."

 

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

American Corrections Health Services Association Honors Gayle Burrows 

gayle burrows 

During the annual American Corrections Health Services Association conference in Orlando, Florida this April, Multnomah County Corrections Health Director Gayle Burrows received the Distinguished Service Award.

    

" I am very humbled by this award as ACHSA is our professional organization and they give one award each year.  I have been involved with ACHSA for as long as I have been in Corrections Health..."  

 

Here is an excerpt from her Nomination Letter, written by Mary Raines, Chapter Director:   

The Oregon Chapter of the American Correctional Health Services Association would like to nominate Gayle Burrow, RN, BSN, MPH, CCHP-RN, for the 2010 ACHSA Distinguished Service Award.

 

Gayle is a very special individual, personally and professionally. She began her nursing career in 1967 when she graduated from the Sacred Heart School of Nursing.  Between graduation and 1983 she worked in acute care hospital nursing.  In 1985 Gayle began her life as a correctional nurse, working for Multnomah County Health Department.  While at Multnomah County she has held the following positions:

  • July 2005 to Present: Director of Corrections Health, Health Department, Integrated Clinical Services. Responsible for the delivery of quality health care to adults and juveniles incarcerated in the 3 county operated jail facilities. Oversaw the construction of 525 bed Wapato Jail.
  • August 2003 to July 2005: Integrated Clinical Services Senior Leadership Team, Director for Corrections Health, HIV Clinic, and Westside Health Center and Homeless Services for Multnomah County Health Department.  Responsible for budget, policies, procedures, grants, funding sources and operations for the delivery of clinical, infirmary and mental health care to the assigned population areas. Work in partnership with communities, community advisory groups, Sheriffs Office, other county agencies and health department delivery systems.
  • April 2002 to August 2003:   Director for the Corrections Health. Division of the Multnomah County Health Department.  Responsible for the delivery of quality care for the adults and juveniles incarcerated in the 5 county operated jails.  The responsible health authority for the medical, mental health, and dental care for 1900 clients each day.  Oversees the budget, policies and procedures, NCCHC accreditation standards, quality improvement program, personnel management, facility planning, and policy coordination with Sheriffs Office, Health Department, County agencies and Community.   
  • October 2001 to April 2002:  Acting Division Director for Corrections Health, Division of the Multnomah County Health Department.  Responsible for the quality care delivered to those incarcerated in the 5 county operated jails.
  • Jan. 1997-2001:  Health Services Administrator, Multnomah County Oregon, MCIJ and MCCF Adult Jail Facilities.  Manage the health care delivery in 2 Adult Correctional Facilities.  Total adult security beds are 979 and 190.  Coordinated the expansion of MCIJ from 510 to 979 beds with construction of a new medical unit and infirmary.  Supervise staff of nurses, providers, pharmacists, support staff, X-ray and Lab staff. Continued NCCHC accreditation for the facilities.
  • Sept. 1996-Jan. 1997:  Health Services Administrator, Juvenile Justice Division Health Care Unit.  Total security beds of 152 with special program units for sex offenders and assessment.  Supervised nurses, providers, and support staff.
  • Jan. 1993-Sept. 1996:  Health Services Administrator, Multnomah County Corrections Health.  Managed the health care delivery in 3 Adult Correctional Facilities with a total of 550 maximum security beds and 130 work release beds.  Supervises multidisciplinary staff. 
  • Jan. 1990-Jan. 1993: Health Services Administrator for 2 Adult and 1 Juvenile Correctional Facility.  Coordinated the construction of a 250 bed jail as well as the first expansion to 510 beds.  Facilitated the Juvenile facility to attain NCCHP Accreditation.
  • 1988-1990:  Lead Nurse, Corrections Health for 4 jail facilities

Gayle is a very dedicated correctional health care professional.  She continually works to assure that appropriate health care is provided to the inmates.  Gayle persistently advocates through the county budget process for adequate funding and staffing to provide health care services.  She has been instrumental in establishing a nationally recognized correctional health care program. 

 

Aside from the superb manner in which Gayle executes her role as a professional, advancing correctional health care, she has a personal side that leaves a lasting imprint on those who are lucky enough to know her.  This personal side has touched many people personally and professionally.

 

It is with much admiration and esteem that the Oregon Chapter submits Gayle Burrow as a candidate for the American Correctional Health Services Distinguished Service Award.  

 

Congratulations... You are truly deserving of such recognition. I cannot say enough about what you do for the Sheriff's Office, except thank you. - Dan Staton   

Happy Anniversary Varro!

 

 varro

 

May 2011 marks the 5th anniversary for MCSO's K9 dog Varro.  Varro is a purebred German Shepherd who joined the Sheriff's Office in October of 2005 when he was 16-months old after being imported from Germany.  Varro was purchased entirely through donated funds from the public, including generous donations from Milk Bone, Walmart and several private donors.  After arriving at the Sheriff's Office, Varro was put through rigorous training for six months by his handler, Deputy Todd Weber.  In May of 2006 Varro was certified to work as a police K9 in Oregon after successfully passing the Oregon Police Canine Association certification process.   

 

Since May of 2006 Varro and Deputy Weber have been assigned to the Patrol Unit's afternoon shift, but are called out routinely on their time off to assist with the apprehension of suspects and to locate evidence at crime scenes.  Varro not only tracks suspects in Multnomah County, but has also been called out to assist other law enforcement agencies as far away as Hood River.   

 

During his five years on patrol, Varro has been deployed 650 times, captured 89 suspects and found multiple "articles," or pieces of evidence.  Deputy Weber's favorite article that Varro found was a handgun that had been stashed in the bushes along the Sandy River after a shooting.  Varro has also located evidence in a murder investigation and found suspects in just about every imaginable place, including a metal thief who was hiding under a bush on the bank of a local slough.  In 2009 Varro and Deputy Weber were recognized for their outstanding work with the "Sheriff's Award."   

 

Besides being part of the Patrol Unit, Varro and Deputy Weber are members of the East County Metro SWAT Team.  This team is comprised of members from MCSO, Gresham Police Department and the Troutdale Police Department.   When he's not "following his nose" on the hunt for suspects, Varro and Deputy Weber enjoy making public appearances at local area schools and performing demonstrations for various civic groups.  Over the past five years Varro and Deputy Weber have made 50 appearances in these types of events and are great ambassadors for the Sheriff's Office.   

 

When Varro's not hot on the trail of a suspect, he enjoys some good-natured competition as well.  Over the past five years he and Deputy Weber have competed in the annual Washington County Sheriff's Office K9 Competition in Hillsboro.  Varro has medaled five times in various categories at the event.  

 

Congratulations to Varro and Deputy Weber on their 5th Anniversary protecting the citizens and visitors of Multnomah County together!

 

More information about the MCSO K9 Unit can be found at http://www.mcso.us/public/K9.htm

-Sgt. Bryan White


 

Upcoming Events

  • May 9, 2011: The MCSO Memorial Services
    • Loll Memorial 0900 hrs
    • Hansen Bldg Memorial is at 1300 hrs 
       
  •  May 25, 2011, 1300 hrs : MCSO Annual Award Ceremony
                                                         Multnomah Building

ready set inflate

This year's Kid Fest was a huge success! MCSO met 499 families and made 866 fingerprint and identification kits to keep Multnomah County kids safe.

 

kidfest

Sheriff Staton and Chief Deputy Gates offering their help

 

See you next year!

 


Mike Kellogg - A Life of Significance

 

The following life story does not do justice to Mike Kellogg. However, it will give you a glimpse into the life of a very special person; a man knows how to live a life of significance by serving others.

 

Mike's service to others began in 1986, when he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. For four years, Mike was an Armorer in the Marine Corps Reserve at Swan Island. For as long as he can remember, Mike wanted to be a cop. The idea of protecting people appealed to him. Mike was a member of the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office as a Reserve Deputy from 1992 to 1995.  In 1995, Mike joined the Fairview Police Department where served as a Reserve Officer for two years. In 1997 Mike became a Fairview Police Officer.

 

In 2000, he joined the Troutdale Police Department, where he served for over eleven years. He enjoyed working with children. He joined the DARE (Drug Awareness and Resistance Education) program. He poured his heart and energy into being the most effective DARE teacher he knew how to be. It was his way of protecting "his" kids.

 

In 2003, the national headquarters named Mike Kellogg the DARE Officer of the Year in Oregon. The following year, he traveled to the DARE National Convention in Tennessee. In 2003, at a special ceremony at the Gresham Elks Lodge, Mike was named the Troutdale Police Officer of the Year. He was selected by his peers for this award.

 

The "Every 15 Minutes" program was created for high school students to point out that every 15 minutes, someone dies in an alcohol-related crash. Mike signed up to facilitate this important program at Reynolds High School.

 

Mike Kellogg enjoys life. His interests include camping, fishing, hunting, walking, sitting around a campfire, reading...and spending every possible minute with Holly.

 

In 2006, Mike couldn't figure out why he seemed so tired all the time. After a short time, he went into the hospital, where the doctors discovered he had cancer. His doctor recommended treatment at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute in Seattle. Mike took medical leave from the Troutdale Police Department and moved into a small apartment in Seattle. His goal was to be released in September. He adopted his own theme song: "Wake Me Up When September Ends" by Green Day.

 

Mike returned to Troutdale to recuperate. He was off work for the following year. On September 11, 2006, Mike returned to work after winning his first bout with cancer. While on patrol, Mike stopped by the office at Walt Morey Middle School to say hello to the staff. That's when he first saw Holly. She was a 7th Grade teacher who happened to be in the office at that moment.  From their first date, Mike and Holly were inseparable. They camped together. They hiked together. They read together. They talked for hours. They moved in together in 2007. A year later they married and bought a house.

 

Mike's cancer returned in the summer of 2010. July 14 was his last day on patrol with the Troutdale Police Department. His sergeant gave him a couple of days of light duty in the office, but Mike knew things weren't getting any better. He checked back into the hospital. Mike's doctors, in consultation with the top cancer specialists in the region, gave him the strongest chemotherapy drugs they have. They didn't do any good. Mike's cancer was too advanced. After lengthy discussions about quality of life, Mike and Holly and the doctors stopped the treatment. Mike and Holly went home on April 3rd.

 

Mike has only two wishes:

1. To take one last camping trip with Holly.

 

2. To have their friend Brian fly Mike and Holly in a LearJet to Scottsdale, to visit Holly's aunt and uncle.

 

Holly's only wish is to keep Mike around. She doesn't have a second wish.

 

texas hold em 


 

 

MCSO Sustainability Team Received Award from Chair Cogen  for
Their Commitment to Public Service
 

recycle  

On Wednesday May 4, 2011, Chair Cogen and the Board of County Commissioners hosted the second annual Multnomah County Employee Awards Ceremony to honor individuals and teams for their commitment to public service. One group  honored was the MCSO Sustainability Team.

 

Over the past two years, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Sustainability Liaison Team has helped identify changes that have resulted in a 13 percent reduction of paper usage by MCSO and has increased the County's overall recycling rate by 10 percent. It is a tribute to the team that they have achieved these results without compromising the Sherriff's Office overarching responsibilities of public safety and security.

 

In our continuing efforts to find new ways to incorporate sustainable practices into our work environment, both the Justice Center and Inverness Jail will have food composting bins for faculty and staff.

 

Yard and food waste make up 30% of the waste stream. Composting helps divert that waste from the landfill, waterways and water treatment facilities. Healthy plants from healthy soil look better, produce better and have a much greater ability to fight off pests and diseases. Compost amends both sandy and clay soils. Composting is a valuable educational tool that teaches people about nature's life cycle. And composting saves the county money! 


Learn more about MCSO's Sustainability Team

MCSO Benevolent Fund

 

The MCSO Employee Benevolent Fund (EBF) group was formed in February 1994 by MCSO employees  for the purpose of receiving funds for charitable purposes in times of emergencies.  

 

The EBF Board of Directors has representatives from each of the Unions and determines if a person is eligible to receive a charitable gift based on demonstrated need. Such need includes an unforeseen or unavoidable injury, illness, or loss to the person or to a member of the person's immediate family.  

 

Eligible persons include current or retired employees of MCSO or the Health Department Corrections Health Division, a surviving spouse, children or other designated beneficiary of a deceased person or a volunteer in good standing.

 

Resources for charitable gifts are received primarily from contributions made by employees of the Sheriff's Office and Corrections Health. Payroll deductions are available for those employees wishing to contribute as little as $1 per pay period.  Your contribution to the Employee Benevolent Fund can directly impact a co-worker in need.

 

If you are interested in supporting the Benevolent Fund, checks can also be made payable to MCSO Benevolent Fund and mailed to:

 

MCSO Benevolent Fund

503 SE Hawthorne Blvd Suite 350

Portland, OR 97220



Chris Payne

Employee Benevolent Fund Board Member


Three MCSO Members Honored by the American Legion

 

White  

Sgt Bryan White presented with award by American Legion 

 

The American Legion Post 134 honored three Multnomah County Sheriff's Office members on April 2, 2011.  Steve Long was presented with the Correction Deputy of the year award, Brian Doyle was presented with the Civil Deputy of the year award and Bryan White was  presented with the Enforcement Deputy of the year award.

 

The American Legion has a long history of honoring the men and women who serve our country, but the organization also gives special recognition to individuals who help preserve the well-being of our neighborhoods and communities.

 

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office is proud to have these individuals honored by the American Legion.

International Visitors Go for a Ride Along

 

On March 21st MCSO Patrol played host to visitors from the criminal justice system of Poland.

 

As part of a US State Department sponsored international exchange of law enforcement professionals, the World Affairs Council of Oregon welcomed members of the Polish National Prosecutor's Office and National Police Force to our State. This visit was not only for cultural purposes, but also to provide the opportunity for the visitors to see elements of the criminal justice system throughout the State.  Oregon was the last leg in their visit to the United States, which included stops in the Northeastern and Southeastern regions.

 

The group expressed strong interest in rural community based policing which is a specialty of the Law Enforcement Patrol Unit.  Our visitors went with deputies on several calls for service where these skills were demonstrated.  At the end of their time with us, our visitors were shown a demonstration of Patrol K9 skills and tactics.

 

While the ride alongs were relatively short in time, they clearly accomplished the goals of the visitation program.  Staff and visitors came to a greater understanding of the differing criminal justice systems as well as  commonalities.

 

Program coordinators said that the visitors rated their time with MCSO staff overwhelmingly positive, likely insuring future requests for our participation in this relatively low profile but prestigious international program.

 

- Lt. Mark Matsushima 

River Patrol Office Honored  

 

river

Deputy Joe Graziano, Chief Deputy Mike Shults, Sergeant Tim Lichatowich, Secretary of State Kate Brown , Sheriff Dan Staton, Gov. John Kitzhaber, Oregon State Treasurer Ted Wheeler

 

 

The State Land Board recognized the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office River Patrol in an awards ceremony Tuesday, April 12, honoring exemplary partnerships with the Board and Department of State Lands.

 

In presenting the award, Oregon state Treasurer Ted Wheeler, a member of the land board and former Multnomah County Board of Commissioners chairman, praised the River Patrol crew for "years of outstanding assistance in a wide range of situations occurring on state-owned land," he said.  

 

The unit's accomplishments include helping to clean up illegal activities and derelict vessels on state-owned waterways; providing boat trips for staff to inspect land from the water; and conducting multi-agency sweeps of illegal camps on state- and federally owned land at the Sandy River Delta.

 

"Their work on the Sandy is exemplary for their inclusion of social service agencies to assist the homeless in finding permanent housing," Wheeler said.

 

Formed in 1960 to help decrease thefts from boats and marinas as well as provide search and rescue operations, the River Patrol is now the largest marine enforcement unit in Oregon.

 

"We're honored to receive this award from the state land board," said Sheriff Dan Staton, a Gresham resident. "While we consider it a part of our job to help, the Land Board's recognition of our River Patrol is a nice endorsement of the good work this unit does in keeping Oregon rivers safe and clean."

 

The state Land Board is comprised of Wheeler, Gov. John Kitzhaber and Secretary of State Kate Brown. The Department of State Lands administers diverse natural and fiscal resources, many of which generate revenue for the Common School Fund, such as state-owned rangelands and timberlands, waterway leases, estates for which no will or heirs exist and unclaimed property.

 

The agency distributes fund investment earnings biannually to support public schools.

Ready For a Disaster?   

family kit 

A disaster can strike at anytime and anywhere. It can be anything from a power outage during a winter storm, to a major earthquake. While help will come, it may be several days before emergency response teams can reach you. Being prepared for all kinds of disasters will help keep you and your family safe. This information was compiled by Multnomah County Emergency Management.

 

Before a Disaster Happens:

  • Have a written emergency plan in place before a disaster strikes.
  • Have at least 3 days of non-perishable food, water, medicine and toiletries.  As a general rule, there should be one gallon of water per person per day. Don't forget your pets water needs as well.
  • A fully functional first aid kit. It may be several days before an emergency team can reach you. Make sure you have any prescription medications you need. 
  • Utensils, including a hand-operated can opener, cups and plates as well as warm blankets, flashlights, batteries and a battery operated radio.
  • Remember to have supplies for your pets. Make sure your pets always have their collars on with current identification.
  • Keep your supplies in an easy to carry portable container as you may need to leave your home in a   hurry; plastic totes or duffel bags work well.
  • Make sure you keep your emergency supplies in an easily accessible location. Your supplies won't do you any good if they are trapped somewhere.
  • Check your kit every 6 months for expiration dates and replace items as needed.
  • Know where your water and gas shutoff valves are.
  • Review and update your emergency plan at least twice a year.
  • Do not use grills, camp stoves, or similar devices indoors. Carbon monoxide can build up causing death.
  • Keep your refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible if your power goes out. Food will start to spoil once it reaches 40 degrees Fahrenheit. You can pack snow or ice into containers to place in your fridge and freezer to help keep the temperature cold.
  • Do not go into any structure that may be unsafe. Aftershocks can take down a building the original earthquake left standing.
  • Flood waters can spoil food and drinking water. Do not eat, drink or use any items that were in contact with flood water.
  • Remember to check on elderly or disabled neighbors

 

For more information on these and other topics please visit these websites:

www.Redcross.org
www.FEMA.gov
http://web.multco.us/em


scammed
citizens academy
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly;
recent news articles or updates you may have missed.

 

Hikers rescued in Columbia River Gorge by helicopter
Multnomah County Chairman Jeff Cogen releases budget
Car break-ins big problem in the GorgeOre. police investigating body recovered from Columbia River.
Kyron Horman search increases volunteers
Portland area police head south to take part in memorial for slain Eugene officer
Officials: Budget cuts could make gang problems worse
Homeless campers sue to block state from destroying belongings
Deputies Arrest Man Accused Of Sex Abuse

Quick Links...
Your opinions, questions and concerns are important to us. If you would like to comment on any of MCSO service(s), or any article you have read in this newsletter  please click HERE. Or Email us HERE
Join Our Mailing List