Bend police honor bank guard for officer assist

Bend Police Chief Jim Porter on Tuesday recognized James Cornforth for the “valiant and courageous actions” he displayed while helping Officer Wes Murphy during a physical altercation on June 4th in downtown Bend.

Cornforth is employed by G4S Secure Solutions and was working at the Bank of
America downtown branch on that day.

Officer Murphy encountered an uncooperative man, identified as George Flack, 47, near the Bank of America, police said.

Police said the man tried to strike Murphy and the officer fell on his back while trying to avoid being hit. The aggressive subject then got on top of Officer Murphy and began punching him several times, police said.

“Without hesitation, James Cornforth responded to help,” and pulled his gun to help police subdue and arrest Flack, police said Tuesday.

“Due to Cornforth’s assistance, Officer Murphy was able to avoid further injury and arrest the subject,” they said.

Cornforth was given a “Citizen Commendation” plaque “expressing our grateful
appreciation for his selfless and admirable actions,” the police news release stated.