This issue, like others in the recent past, introduces a number of new colleagues to our staff. We're lucky to be able to welcome individuals with interesting backgrounds, bringing experience and new perspectives to our organization.
On the other side, these openings exist because other colleagues have either retired or made career moves to other organizations or locations. I can't name names--the list would be long, and I would probably forget someone--but think about your own department and the individuals who have retired or gone on to new opportunities. It reflects the loss of years of experience and institutional memory, and of friends who have been good work companions over the years. It's a bittersweet process: we welcome new friends and colleagues, and miss those who are no longer part of our organization.
The Starbucks Case--Epilog
In response to the Philadelphia Starbucks case, several of you came up with the same solution that LOPD and CMO staff did. As stated in an e-mail from Chief Johnson to LOPD staff: "if we believe the original reason to trespass was solely centered upon the purchase of goods from Starbucks, something we might do as creative problem solvers is to shell out a couple dollars…….. just buy the coffee……. not only might that resolve the situation, it is a moment in time where we can demonstrate what it means to be the most reasonable person in the room." As others have noted, the actual circumstances in Philadelphia might have been more complex, but the solution described by Chief Johnson does seem to be a good example of creative thinking.
Welcoming New Staff
Lauren Bruss is taking Janice Burton's place in charge of the mail and copy center. Lauren was born in Illinois and lived there until 2001, when she moved to Oregon, where her grandparents lived. She graduated from Lake Oswego High and got a degree in German from Pacific University. That was useful in her overseas travel in Europe. Lauren currently lives in an unincorporated section of Forest Highlands. She isn't new to the city organization: for the past year, she has been working part time with Megan Big John and Babs Hamachek in the open space stewardship program. She's a certified dog trainer and of course has a dog (a Tomaskan). In her free time she enjoys books, trivia games, quilting, and videos.
Michael Ward has taken Amanda Owings' place as our traffic engineer. Mike was born in Springfield and attended high school in southern Oregon. His engineering degree is from Walla Walla University. He comes to us from the City of Wilsonville, where for the past seven years he has worked in their engineering department. Mike lives in Tualatin and has a six-year-old daughter, and he rides a motor scooter. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, running, and crossword puzzles. No dogs, but two cats.
James MacFarlane is one of our newest police officers. He was born in Portland and graduated from Southridge High. His father was a Beaverton police officer and now works for the Gladstone PD. James began pursuing a career as a firefighter, studying fire science at PCC, but then switched to law enforcement and for the past two years has been working for the Columbia County Jail in St. Helens. He'll start his academy training in July. James lives in Tigard, has four dogs, and enjoys sports (including basketball) and family activities.
Nicole Morris is taking Wendy Svaren's place as evidence technician for LOPD. She comes well-prepared, having done similar work for the Portland police bureau for the past eighteen years. Nicole was born in Honolulu, and since her dad was in the service, moved around a bit. But she ended up in Portland and graduated from Jefferson High. Nicole lives in Tigard, has a black lab and a 1965 Mustang...and she's getting married in September. Nicole also has a strong personal interest and experience in diversity and other advocacy issues, volunteering as a camp counselor and a youth mentor, and as a "WomenStrength" instructor for Portland police.
Michelle Perry has also joined LOPD as an officer. Michelle was born in Eureka CA and grew up mostly in the Bay area, graduating from a high school in Redding. She moved to Oregon in 2000. She continues to serve in the US Air Force Reserves, and has previously held an administrative position with Portland police. She and her husband live in Tigard and have a large family, including three adopted children who were born in Ethiopia. She was also an instructor for self defense for women as part of Portland's WomenStrength program, and when not working or volunteering enjoys running and time spent with family. They have three cats.
Daren Cranor started work on May 7 as a community service officer for LOPD. Daren was born in Molalla and graduated from David Douglas High. He served in the US Army with the interesting job title of "Senior Sniper" and most recently lived in Missouri; for now, he lives in Beaverton. He has long had an interest in a career in law enforcement. In his spare time he enjoys working out, and playing golf. No dogs, yet...
Chris Fairley has officially joined the staff of the engineering department, working primarily on records management. Chris was born in Tacoma and lived in Federal Way, and his family moved to Oregon; he graduated from McNary High in Keizer. He attended Chemeketa CC and earned a bachelor's degree from PSU. Prior to coming to our organization, he worked on records management for an insurance company. He was married in 2011, and lives in the St. Johns area of Portland. A main hobby is photography, specializing in landscape photography. And he's had some outdoor adventures, including climbing Mt Hood a couple of times and skiing down. No dogs, but two guinea pigs.,
