STATEMENT FROM LINCOLN CITY POLICE CHIEF STEVEN BECHARD DURING THURSDAY'S NEWS CONFERENCE AT LEGACY EMANUEL MEDICAL CENTER
Posted: January 27th, 2011 12:34 PM
The following news release statement from Lincoln City Police Chief Steven Bechard is being forwarded following Thursday morning's news conference at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland. The purpose of the news conference was to update the medical condition of Officer Steven Dodds who was critically injured when he was shot by suspect David Anthony Durham, age 43, on Sunday night, January 23, 2011, during a traffic stop in Lincoln City.
Featured speakers during today's news conference were Officer Dodds' daughter, Megan; Lincoln City Police Chief Bechard; and, Dr. Seth Izenberg, Trauma Surgeon at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. During the news conference, Dr. Izenberg said Officer Dodds is responding well to treatment and his conditions is improving.
Chief Bechard provided the following statement:
"I would like to talk about the community response, the effect this has had on the Department, and give credit to those who have assisted Steve.
The Lincoln City Police Department has received overwhelming support from the citizens of Lincoln City and the residents of Lincoln County.
I would first like to express the Department's gratitude for this support.
Second, I would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding during the search for the suspect. Police officers from all over the state have inserted themselves into the community, assisting in the attempt to locate the suspect, Mr. Durham, yet citizens have not complained about the disruption in their lives.
The Department has been torn between their concern for Steve and the concern to continue their work in the community. Add to this stress is the family relationships where officers are trying to assure their safety to their families but are unable to spend quality time with them due to the circumstances of their profession.
Lincoln City long ago joined the other law enforcement entities in Lincoln County to form the Major Crime Team. Detectives from Lincoln City, Newport, Toledo, Lincoln County, the State Police and the District Attorney's office work together on all major crimes that are committed in the County. The team is a very effective and cohesive group who have years of experience. That team is working on this case with vigorous determination.
The medical emergency response to this has been incredible. The EMTs, the ER staff at North Lincoln Hospital, the REACH Flight crew, and the Trauma staff here at Legacy Emanuel all deserve great praise.
Finally, I want to thank all of law enforcement for their assistance and offers of assistance. The field operation in Waldport is a wonderful demonstration of joint aide and support. And my old agency, the Portland Police Bureau who began assisting immediately when I called and asked for officers to meet Steve as he arrived on the medical flight and who have continued to provide daily support with the search efforts and the security for Steve. Thank you all so much."
In addition:
For those who are interested in making a donation, a fund has been established by the Lincoln City Police Employee's Association at West Coast Bank under the name: LCPEA: STEVE DODDS.
West Coast Bank
4157 N. Highway 101
Lincoln City, Oregon 97367
For those who want to send cards, please mail them to the Lincoln City Police Department.
Lincoln City Police Department
1503 SE East Devils Lake Road
Lincoln City, Oregon 97367
NOTE: The news conference was carried live by many Portland area media. Links to the news conference and information shared should be available on news organization websites.
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