Central Oregon police react to Baton Rouge shooting

Police officers across Central Oregon are starting this work week with heavy hearts after three officers were shot and killed and three others wounded in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Sunday.

Local law enforcement leaders said Monday they are making sure their officers are being safe and vigilant while patrolling the roads.

Patrol Deputy Kevin Riding has been working for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office for nine years, and he knows that officers face the threat of being killed while in the line of duty.

Riding said he puts on the uniform every day to protect his family and community.

Deschutes County Sheriff Shane Nelson said he was saddened by the news of another attack on police.

“I just felt a tremendous amount of loss,” Nelson said.

At the Bend Police Department, the American flag is flying at half-staff, a sign that officers across Central Oregon are mourning their fallen brothers.

Bend Police Chief Jim Porter said his officers are relying on each other during this difficult time.

“We’re talking to our officers about using good officer safety during traffic stops, make sure they use good safety, good techniques,” he said.

Porter said his officers are human as well, and they deal with stressful situations on an everyday basis.

“They’re not cops — they’re your neighbors, they’re the people who coach football, they’re the people who coach soccer,” Porter said.

The sheriff’s office and Bend police leaders said their people have received an incredible amount of support from community members — something badly needed during this difficult time.

“If you get the opportunity, stop an officer, stop a deputy, stop a trooper, and shake their hand,” Porter said. “They need it right now.”

Police also are asking anyone who sees something suspicious or a threat on police posted on social media to give them a call.