Porter named permanent Bend police chief

Bend City Manager Eric King announced Friday he has appointed interim Police Chief Jim Porter to the permanent position.

Porter has been working in the interim role since January, when Jeff Sale was fired, and has been with the Bend Police Department for 23 years.

“Upon meeting with community partners and members of the police department it became clear that Jim was the right person for the job,” said King. “It’s important to me and the community that the positive momentum that Jim has built in the department over the past six months continue.”

Porter said, “After 23 year of serving with the Bend Police Department, I am honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead one of the best, most innovative, and public service minded police departments in the western United States.

“We, as a department, are dedicated to setting an even more successful path which will encompass a higher level of community policing and expanded service to the citizens of Bend,” he added, “Our goal is to improve the high quality of livability currently enjoyed by our community.”

“This decision removes any uncertainty about the direction of the police department,” said King. “I plan on staying actively engaged with the department and look forward to working with Chief Porter on what the future of Bend Police will look like.

The Bend Police Department includes 112 sworn police officers, community service officers and civilian personnel.