Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation

Thank you to the Vancouver Police Department for inviting us to stick around for a few days in beautiful British Columbia following the BC Law Enforcement Memorial to provide two days of training on line-of-duty death matters to police leaders from around the Lower Mainland. We were deeply honored to deliver these classes, and we also learned a lot too and made some wonderful connections.

Though the laws and ceremonial honors are a bit different between our countries, helping a grieving family and agency through the trauma of the loss of a police officer is universal. It was wonderful to meet so many like-minded people with big hearts who care for those needing it most, and we are so grateful for the lasting friendships and professional relationships forged this week!

Each year, the last Sunday of September is Peace Officers Memorial Day in Canada, and our two vice presidents joined hundreds of our Canadian colleagues for the British Columbia Law Enforcement Memorial in Victoria. This moving ceremony honored the 135 fallen heroes who gave their lives in the line of duty serving BC’s communities.

Policing is a bond which transcends borders and languages. We are a family. Each time we lose an officer in the line of duty in Oregon, Canadian police officers faithfully travel down to stand alongside us in honoring them and supporting those grieving. It was an honor for us to repay that favor in this small way, and we will continue to stand with our neighbors to the north in remembering and paying tribute to their fallen.

On September 24, during his final shift before retirement, Portland Police Bureau K-9 Kylo and his handler responded to assist in the arrest of a wanted homicide suspect. During the ensuing shooting, K-9 Kylo was killed in the line of duty. He served more than six heroic years with PPB.

Today we’re holding K-9 Kylo’s handler, the handler’s family, the Portland Police Bureau, and all who knew and loved this brave police dog close to our hearts.

Rest in peace, K-9 Kylo. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

You weren’t just a good boy; you were the best boy.

Do you know a first responder who’s making a great impact in their community? Two longtime supporters of the Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, the Portland Winterhawks and SeaBee Construction, partnered up to honor a deserving Hometown Hero at each Winterhawks home game during the 2026-27 season.

Visit this link, https://chl.ca/whl-winterhawks/hometown-heroes-2026-presented-by-seabee-construction, to nominate a true Hometown Hero you know and love. If selected, the honoree will receive four tickets to a Winterhawks game, a merchandise prize pack, and access to our VIP Lounge.

Thank you to the Winterhawks and SeaBee for your constant and unwavering support of those who selflessly serve our communities!

Today we remember.

We remember the 246 passengers and crew who took off on four flights that morning, never to return.

We remember the 2,731 people who left home for work at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon that morning, never to walk back through the door.

We remember the 343 firefighters, 72 police officers, and eight EMTs/paramedics who answered frantic calls for help that morning and ran to danger so others might live, never to sign out of service at the conclusion of their shift.

We remember all those devastated who continue to grieve their loved ones whose lives ended that terrible Tuesday morning 25 years ago.

“No one day shall erase you from the memory of time.” - Virgil (displayed in the Memorial Hall of the National September 11 Memorial Museum)

Today marks a somber anniversary for Oregon’s law enforcement family. On September 4, 2001, Oregon State Police Sergeant John Burright, Sr. Trooper Maria Mignano and Albany Police Department Officer Jason Hoerauf were assisting a motorist whose car was disabled along the side of Interstate 5 north of Albany. An inattentive, drowsy driver struck the three officers, killing Sr. Trooper Mignano and Officer Hoerauf instantly. Sergeant Burright was critically wounded and never recovered, dying of his injuries on May 4, 2021.

On the 25th anniversary of this tragedy, we pause to remember the lives and legacies of John, Maria, and Jason. We remember them for the way they lived, and we hold close to our hearts those who love them and miss them every day.

Rest in peace, Sergeant Burright, Sr. Trooper Mignano, and Officer Hoerauf. You will never be forgotten.

The world lost a one-of-a-kind human being on Sunday with the passing of Bob Miller, and our hearts are broken. Bob was a staunch supporter of law enforcement and one of the best friends to the Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation.

Bob used his golden voice to raise awareness of police survivor matters throughout his tenure as the well-loved every-man morning radio host in Portland, and, shortly after his retirement from broadcasting, he joined our board of directors.

Throughout his time on our board and even after he stepped away from it, Bob steadfastly did all he could to support the work we do. Whether it was giving a community talk to filling in as a deputy logistics chief for a line-of-duty death response to drumming up community support for the family of a fallen officer, Bob was there lending his kind heart and charisma.

Thank you to Bob’s family for sharing him with us. We are so sorry for your loss.

To say we’ll miss Bob is a massive understatement. He left a mark on every life he touched, and we are so grateful he blessed us with his love and passion for so long.

Rest in peace, Bob.

“O say does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave,
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”

We’re wishing everyone a safe and Happy Independence Day, and we’re sending a special thank you to our first responders on duty today keeping our communities safe and our military for protecting our freedom.

Happy 250th birthday, United States of America! 🇺🇸

⛳ SOLD OUT!

The 15th Annual Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation Golf Tournament presented by 7-Eleven is officially sold out!

A huge thank you to everyone who registered. We look forward to seeing you on September 14 at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club for another great tournament benefiting the families of Oregon's fallen law enforcement officers.

Although team registration is full, sponsorship opportunities are still available. If your business or organization would like to support the tournament, we'd love to have you involved.

Visit oregonfallenbadge.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. ⛳️

Mark your calendars! The 2027 Oregon Law Enforcement Ball & Auction is Saturday, April 17, 2027 at Spirit Mountain Casino & Hotel in Grand Ronde.

Tickets are expected to go on sale in early January, but you can reserve your hotel room at our discounted event rate now through this link: https://bit.ly/2027-ball-hotel-reservations.

We’re excited for this beautiful new location, and we can’t wait to see you at the ball!