A memorial dedicated to fallen police officers in Portland, Oregon, was vandalized this week. Portland Police Association
In a ___ Statement on Facebook Sergeant Aaron Schmutz, president of the association, said the monument at Tom McCall Waterfront Park was damaged sometime Tuesday night. Individual plaques dedicated to fallen officers were missing pictures, and names were scratched out.
Schmautz called the disaster “shocking and ugly” and said whoever was responsible was stupid and short-sighted.
“As a current member of the Honor Guard, my heart is saddened by such a cowardly and senseless act. The Police Memorial in Portland stands as a lasting reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by these heroes who They gave their lives in defense of strangers in our community. Each of these individuals is also inscribed on the wall of the National Memorial in Washington, DC.” Schmautz said.
Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell said Fox 12 Oregon The vandalism is “senseless, destructive and deliberate,” adding that the attempt to “dishonor” the memory of those who lost their lives serving the city of Portland is “disgraceful.”
“This memorial pays tribute to heroes—those who gave their lives in service to the city of Portland. No amount of destruction can erase their legacy. My heart goes out to the families of those named on the memorial. And goes for loved ones,” Lovell told the outlet.
Till Thursday evening, no arrest had been made in this regard. with vandalism.
Schmautz called on the city of Portland to help with the rebuilding process, ensuring the memorial site will be restored.
“The memory of those named there is embedded in the foundation of our city. It is worn in the hearts and on every patch and badge that officers are on alert while continuing their mission. No stupid or cowardly act can change that,” he said. “They will be remembered. Those who hover in the shadows to destroy.”
Portland City Council issued the following statement to local media condemning the act and vowing to rebuild the monument:
“The Portland City Council condemns the despicable vandalism of the Portland Police Memorial, a site honoring Portland police officers who died in the line of duty. The memorial is located in Portland’s Waterfront Park. In recognition of his service to Portlanders for nearly 30 years, this ugly criminal act only seeks to fuel divisive and destructive rhetoric that is not representative of who we are as a city. We on the City Council will work with the Portland Police Historical Society to ensure the memorial is restored. We recognize the hardworking public safety officers who work every day to keep our community safe and Honoring people who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”
No arrests were made in connection with the vandalism.
The monument was dedicated in 1994.
The monument, built in 1994, is located near the Hawthorne Bridge. There is 29 Portland Police Members The first killings on the wall were in 1867 and the most recent in 2002.
Schmautz said donations can be made to the Portland Police Historical Society for reconstruction efforts. He said the organization is responsible for managing the memorial and museum, and is not directly affiliated with the police bureau.
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