The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office held its annual memorial services on May 13 to honor the memory of ten deputies and one civilian staff member who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The event is significant for both law enforcement and the community, as it recognizes the sacrifices made by those serving in public safety roles. The ceremonies began with a wreath-laying at the Loll Memorial, marking the site where Deputy Ernest Loll was killed in 1935 while responding to a call in Southwest Portland. Later that day, families of the fallen, county officials, and agency members gathered for a formal ceremony at the Troutdale Sheriff’s Office Operations Center.
Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell addressed attendees during her speech. “Law enforcement professionals are called to a life of courage and compassion, with an unwavering commitment to doing what is right and just,” said Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell. “Sometimes that commitment comes at the highest cost imaginable, resulting in unimaginable grief for family, friends, and coworkers.”
She continued: “The history of our fallen deputies spans decades, and it is woven through every one of their stories, as are the values that define this agency. Their dedication to our community remains foundational to our mission and is an inherent part of who we are.”
Memorials within sheriff’s office facilities display images of those lost on walls inside training buildings and at patrol operations centers. Of those remembered this year, seven died from gunfire incidents; two were killed by impaired drivers; one deputy and a civilian employee died together in an explosion.
“For the members of this agency, remembrance must also come with purpose,” Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell said as she concluded her remarks. “We honor those who came before us by serving with professionalism, accountability, and respect for the trust placed in us. While they may be gone, they will never be forgotten.”
Honor Guards from multiple agencies participated alongside MCSO Honor Guard members during Wednesday’s ceremony.