C. Oregon law enforcement react to Dallas mass shooting
Many Central Oregon law enforcement officers woke up with heavy hearts Friday morning after gunshots and chaos left five officers dead and seven others wounded in a downtown Dallas ambush on Thursday night.
The mass shooting has put police in Deschutes County on alert, as they are nationwide.
Bend and Redmond police, and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office held briefings with officers throughout the day, telling them to be vigilant when out on patrol.
There are people out there in society that want to hurt cops, said Redmond Police Capt. Brian McNaughton said.
Bend police had their officers pair up Thursday night because of protests happening in Portland and across the nation.
Deschutes County sheriff’s Capt. Paul Garrison said the agency stands in support of the Dallas police.
Garrison said Sheriff’s deputies usually drive alone in their patrol vehicles, and most of the time have two officers respond to high-priority calls.
Garrison said these types of shootings can happen anywhere around the country.
“This is a tragic day, but we’re going to get through this, as a nation,” Bend police Lt. Clint Burleigh said.
Burleigh said police and the community have a great relationship and it will continue to grow.
Deschutes County Sheriff Shane Nelson statement
“I am devastated by the cowardly murders of the officers in Dallas. Our hearts and prayers go out to the officers family, friends, and colleagues.
“We hope for a full recovery for those officers who were injured ,and our Sheriff’s Office stands in support of the Dallas Police Department and their community as they heal, and we honor the law enforcement heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for their community.
“This act also brings my thoughts and constant admiration to the women and men of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office who selflessly proudly serve our community every day. I am honored to serve our citizens and am thankful for our community support.”
