New highway signs to honor veterans, first responders

The Deschutes County Commissioners will unveil new highway signs honoring veterans and first responders on Thursday , Nov. 10, at 8:30 a.m. Residents are invited to attend the event, which will be held at the Deschutes Services Building, located at 1300 NW Wall Street in Bend.

Eight “Welcome to Deschutes County: We Honor Veterans and First Responders,” signs are being installed on six Central Oregon highways. The signs are believed to be the first of their kind in Oregon.

“It’s important to recognize the sacrifices our veterans and first responders make to protect our freedoms and keep our communities safe,” said Deschutes County Chair, Alan Unger. “We are proud of those who have served and this is one way we can say thank you.”

Deschutes County is home to about 15,000 veterans and 1,000 first responders. Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Dick Tobiason, who serves as chairman of the Bend Heroes Foundation, made a formal request for the new signs. Commissioners Baney, DeBone and Unger unanimously approved the request, which was supported by Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, and agreed to fund the project.

“Veterans and First Responders have always been highly respected by the citizens they protect from foreign enemies of our nation, domestic threats and threatening fires,” Tobiason said. “The new highway signs are an outstanding visible means of affirming that appreciation by Deschutes County citizens.”

Signs will be installed on US 97, US 20, OR 31, OR 242, Powell Butte Highway and Cascade Lakes Highway.