On Wednesday, February 1, 2023, Portland Police took a criminal report regarding significant vandalism to the Portland Police Memorial on Waterfront Park. The vandalism occurred sometime on the night of Tuesday, January 31, 2023; each of the names of fallen officers was etched off.
The Police Memorial was first conceived in 1974 by the Portland Police Historical Society and became a reality in 1994 when it was dedicated by President George Bush.
The Memorial commemorates the Portland Police Officers who gave their lives in the performance of their official duties. There are currently 29 Portland Police members honored on the wall that range from the first killed in 1867 to the last in 2002. The names also are on the National Police Memorial in Washington, D.C.
"This is a senseless, destructive and intentional act," said Chief Lovell. "This memorial honors heroes—people who had the courage to give their lives while serving the City of Portland. No amount of destruction can erase their legacy. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the people named on the memorial. There are spouses, children, grandchildren and more who suffered greatly by the loss of their loved one. To see a cowardly act such as this done in an attempt to dishonor that memory is disgraceful."
The Police Historical Society is the gatekeeper for the memorial. For more information on the Historical Society, visit: http://portlandpolicemuseum.com/memorial--fallen-officers.html
Photo descriptions:
Police Memorial: photo from prior Police Memorial Ceremony of nameplates with roses
Police Memorial Vandalism to nameplates
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