A memorial dedicated to fallen police officers in Portland, Oregon, was vandalized this week Portland Police organization.
one in statement on facebook Association President Sgt. Aaron Schmutz said the monument at Tom McCall Waterfront Park was damaged sometime Tuesday night. Individual plaques dedicated to fallen officers were missing pictures, and names had been scratched out.
Schmotz called the destruction “shocking and ugly” and said that whoever is responsible for it is stupid and short-sighted.
“As a current member of the Honor Guard, my heart is broken at such a cowardly and senseless act. The Police Memorial in Portland stands as a lasting reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by the heroes who gave their lives to protect strangers in our community. Each of these individuals is also engraved on the wall of the National Memorial in Washington DC.
Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell told fox 12 oregon The vandalism is “stupid, destructive and intentional”, adding that the attempt to “dishonor” the memory of those who served the city of Portland is “outrageous”.
“This memorial honors heroes – those who had the courage to give their lives while serving the City of Portland. No amount of devastation can erase their legacy. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of those named on the memorial, Lovell told the outlet.
Till Thursday evening, no arrest could be made in this case. with hooliganism.
Schmautz called on the City of Portland to assist in the reconstruction process, to ensure that the site of remembrance would be restored.
“The memories of those named there are enshrined in the cornerstone of our city. It is carried in the hearts and on every patch and badge worn by the officers who now stand by to fulfill their mission. No amount of foolish or cowardly acts can change that. “He will be missed. Those who run around in the shadows to destroy, they will not.”
Portland City Council issued the following statement to local media condemning the act and calling for the reconstruction of the monument:
“Portland City Council condemns blatant vandalism of Portland Police Memorial, a site honoring Portland police officers who died in the line of duty. Memorial at Portland’s Waterfront Park in recognition of their service to Portlanders for nearly 30 years stands. This ugly criminal act only seeks to fuel divisive and destructive rhetoric that is not representative of who we are as a city. We at City Council will work closely with the Portland Police Historical Society to ensure that May the memorial be restored. We recognize the hardworking public safety workers who work every day to keep our communities safe and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
No arrests have been made in the vandalism.
The memorial was dedicated in 1994.
Advertisement
Built in 1994, this monument is located near the Hawthorne Bridge. there are 29 Portland Police Members First killed in 1867 and most recently in 2002 on the wall.
Schmautz said donations can be made to the Portland Police Historical Society to fund reconstruction efforts. He added that the organization is responsible for the management of the memorial and museum, and is not directly affiliated with the Police Bureau.
