DPSST

Students at the Oregon Public Safety Academy and DPSST staff gathered this morning for a special colors ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of September 11, 2001. A quarter-century later, the magnitude of our nation's loss and its enduring impact on the public safety community remain as profound as ever.

DPSST Academy Dean Gerod Rayburn was a New York State Police trooper who deployed to Manhattan in the hours following the attacks and spent weeks supporting rescue and recovery efforts. During this morning’s ceremony, he shared his experience with academy students and spoke about what it means to serve: to stand shoulder to shoulder, to rely on one another, and to be there when it matters most.

“Being a first responder isn’t about being fearless, it’s about being prepared,” Rayburn said. “It’s about knowing you’re never doing this work alone. You lean on your partners, and they lean on you. Some days will feel routine. Some will test you. Every one of them will shape you.

He continued: “Even in the hardest moments, you will witness the best in people. You will see communities come together, you will see kindness from strangers, and you will see the impact your presence can make, sometimes in big ways, sometimes in ways you won’t recognize until years later.”

As the nation observes the 25th anniversary of 9/11, DPSST invites the public to visit the September 11 Memorial at the Oregon Public Safety Academy this Friday. This memorial offers a space to reflect on the lives lost, the extraordinary acts of courage shown that day, and the lasting impact the attacks continue to have on our country.

The academy hosts a permanent display featuring pieces from the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, honoring the nearly 3,000 people killed, including hundreds of first responders.

Visitors are welcome to come view the memorial this Friday, Sept. 11 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The academy is located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy. SE in Salem. Upon entering academy grounds, signage will direct visitors to the main entry. The memorial display is located in the lobby.

We invite all Oregonians to take time to remember the courage, sacrifice, and resilience shown on that day, and to honor the families and communities who have carried its weight for 25 years.

DPSST is conducting its biennial customer satisfaction survey, and we’re asking for your feedback. Oregon state agencies administer this survey every two years to help evaluate customer service and identify ways to improve.

The survey is anonymous, takes about 5–10 minutes to complete, and will remain open through September 21, 2026. You can participate at:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026dpsstcustomersurvey

Your input helps us better serve Oregon’s public and private safety professionals. Survey results will be shared with the Oregon Legislature as part of DPSST’s biennial budget process, and a summary will be posted later this year on our website.

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us.

www.surveymonkey.com

Oregon’s public safety community came together today for the Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Ceremony, an important annual tribute to the fire service members who have given their lives protecting Oregon’s people, property and natural resources.

Families, friends, fire service colleagues, Governor Tina Kotek, and members of the Oregon Fire Service Honor Guard joined in remembering the 185 Oregon firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty since 1881.

Those include three most recently added to the memorial: Portland Fire & Rescue Retired Captain Paul J. (Jim) Bieker Jr., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Fire Planner Brian Robert Wolgamott, and Sutherlin Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Merlino. Their courage, leadership, and lifelong commitment to protecting Oregon communities are now forever etched into our state’s history.

Keynote speaker Patrick Fale, deputy chief of strategic services with Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, reflected on the deep calling that unites firefighters in service.

“Jim, Brian and Michael each upheld the value of life and the strength of community,” Deputy Chief Fale said. “They dedicated their lives to these, to such a degree that their service ultimately led down the path of the ultimate sacrifice — the same path and ultimate sacrifice given of the other 182 names memorialized on this wall.”

Governor Tina Kotek also spoke, honoring the families and the stories behind each name.

“Behind each name is a story of service, community, loss and remembrance,” she said. “In remembering them today, we recommit ourselves to action in support of their calling.”

DPSST is honored to host this important annual ceremony in partnership with the Oregon Fire Service Honor Guard and pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives to keep our state safe. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their legacy continues to guide and inspire Oregon’s fire service every day.

During an engraving ceremony this morning, families gathered and an honor guard stood watch as the names of three firefighters were added to the Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial: Paul J. (Jim) Bieker Jr., a retired captain with Portland Fire & Rescue; Brian Robert Wolgamott, a United States Fish and Wildlife Service fire planner; and Michael Merlino, a battalion chief with Sutherlin Fire Department.

Next Tuesday, DPSST and the Oregon Fire Service Honor Guard will host a ceremony honoring Retired Captain Bieker, Fire Planner Wolgamott, and Battalion Chief Merlino, along with 182 other brave men and women who, since the 1880s, have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect lives, communities, and natural resources in our state.

The Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16 at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem.

DPSST was honored to hold the annual Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony today. Families of fallen officers and members of the state’s law enforcement community gathered at the Oregon Public Safety Academy to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of the officers who gave their lives in service to our state.

We were grateful to have Assistant Commissioner Adam Palmer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police join us as keynote speaker to honor the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives in the line of duty. “[These officers] provided safety to others in moments of fear, and they served with unwavering courage and dignity that defines the very best of us,” he said.

We are thankful that no new names were added to the memorial wall this year, and remain hopeful that it will stay unchanged for many years to come.

Next Tuesday, May 5, DPSST will host the annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem.

This significant event honors the Oregon officers who have died in the line of duty since the 1860s and whose names are inscribed on the memorial wall. We are grateful that no new names were added to the memorial this year.

DPSST is honored to host the event in partnership with the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Oregon Concerns of Police Survivors, Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, and statewide law enforcement associations.

This week, Oregon joins communities nationwide in recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and the remarkable professionals who keep our emergency response system running around the clock.

Across the state, hundreds of dedicated telecommunicators handle nearly two million emergency calls each year. They provide critical guidance in moments of crisis and serve as the essential connection between the public and first responders any time help is needed.

DPSST is proud to train and certify Oregon’s public safety telecommunicators and emergency medical dispatchers. Their skill, compassion, and professionalism make a meaningful difference for people and communities every single day.

Thank you to Oregon’s telecommunicators for your service and unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe.

We're hiring an Academy Traffic Safety Instructor (Public Safety Training Specialist 1) position to join our Regional Team.

This exciting opportunity is based out of Salem, OR. For more information or to apply click on the link below or scan the QR code.

https://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/SOR_External_Career_Site/job/Salem--DPSST--Public-Safety-Standards-and-Training/Academy-Traffic-Safety-Instructor--Public-Safety-Training-Specialist-1-_REQ-198121

We're hiring an Instructor Development Coordinator (Public Safety Training Specialist 2) to join our team.

For more information click on the link below or scan the QR code below.
https://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/SOR_External_Career_Site/job/Salem--DPSST--Public-Safety-Standards-and-Training/Instructor-Development-Coordinator--Public-Safety-Training-Specialist-2--_REQ-197871