Man Dies After Drowning Near Crystal Lake - 07/20/26

CORVALLIS, Ore. – A 51-year-old man, Romail Dontail Allen of Albany, died Sunday after drowning in the Willamette River near Crystal Lake.

At about 11:50 a.m. on July 19, emergency responders received a report of a person in the water near river mile 133. A witness attempted to rescue Allen and reported at about 11:59 a.m. that he appeared to be deceased. Another witness said Allen was not wearing a life jacket.

Benton County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol deputies were on duty but were operating downriver near the Polk County line when the call came in. Corvallis Fire Department personnel arrived first and reached the area by raft.

Corvallis Fire personnel recovered Allen from the river at about 12:22 p.m. The recovery occurred upriver from Michael’s Landing. Fire personnel began resuscitation efforts immediately and continued them while transporting Allen to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public to wear a properly fitted life jacket when recreating in or near the water. Conditions can change quickly, and even experienced swimmers can become overwhelmed.

Life jackets are available for free public use at stations in Benton County parks near the Willamette River. Visitors are encouraged to borrow a life jacket and return it after use so it remains available for others.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Corvallis Fire Department for its rapid response and lifesaving efforts, the Corvallis Regional Communications Center for coordinating the emergency response, and the witness who attempted to rescue Allen.

If you have further information regarding the drowning, please contact Deputy Brigg Savage at BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov.

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Benton County Sheriff’s Office Accepting Applications For Its Citizens’ Academy (Photo) - 07/02/26

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is accepting applications for its 2026 Citizens’ Academy. This free program is designed to give participants an opportunity to learn more about the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office.

The Academy begins Tuesday, September 8, and runs for ten sessions through Tuesday, October 27. Classes meet Tuesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with two additional Saturday sessions on September 26 and October 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Most classes will be held at the Sheriff’s Office in downtown Corvallis.

Throughout the program, participants will gain firsthand insight into the challenges, responsibilities, and accomplishments of the BCSO. Most sessions are led by sworn deputies who share their professional experience and expertise.

The Citizens’ Academy covers all facets of the Sheriff’s Office, including law enforcement operations, emergency management, search and rescue, parole and probation, jail operations, and the agency’s support and command functions.

The program is designed for adults but will accept applicants ages 14 to 17 when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and with a signed consent form.

The application deadline is September 3, 2026. Space is limited, so early applications are encouraged.

Applications are available online at https://sheriff.bentoncountyor.gov/citizens-academy/ or in person at the Law Enforcement Building, 180 NW 5th Street, Corvallis. For more information, contact the Benton County Sheriff’s Office at 541-766-6858.
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