Oregon Association Chiefs of Police

10/28/2026

Seaside Oregon Police Department | Nov 2014 – Oct 2026

Chief Dave Ham has dedicated more than 32 years to Oregon law enforcement, including 31 years with the Seaside Police Department and nearly 12 years serving as Chief of Police. His career reflects a longstanding commitment to public service, professional development, and the Seaside community.

Prior to beginning his law enforcement career, Chief Ham served in the United States Navy. He entered law enforcement on February 16, 1994, as a Reserve Police Officer with the Independence Police Department. On October 16, 1995, he joined the Seaside Police Department as a full-time Police Officer, beginning what would become a distinguished 31-year career with the agency.

Throughout his tenure, Chief Ham steadily advanced through the department's ranks. He earned the designation of Senior Patrol Officer in 1998 and transitioned to the Detective, Lieutenant, and then Acting Police Chief all while gaining additional executive leadership experience before his official appointment as Chief of Police on November 1, 2014.

As Chief, Ham has overseen the department's law enforcement operations, emergency communications, and administrative functions, leading an agency of approximately 31 personnel. Throughout his leadership, he has placed particular emphasis on mentoring employees, encouraging professional growth, and developing future leaders within the organization. His commitment to building a supportive and stable workplace has contributed to a department culture that values employee development and long-term service.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Chief Ham has remained actively involved in the Seaside community, particularly through youth athletics. He has dedicated time to coaching youth sports and, more recently, officiating football games.

Chief Ham announced his retirement effective October 31, 2026, concluding more than three decades of dedicated service to the Seaside Police Department. His career leaves a lasting legacy of leadership, mentorship, and commitment to both his fellow officers and the community he has proudly served.

The OACP extends its sincere appreciation and congratulations to Chief Ham for his many years of service and wishes him all the best in his well-earned retirement.

10/28/2026

The OACP extends its congratulations to Chief Jose Gonzalez on his official appointment as Chief of Police for the City of Canby Police Department!

Chief Gonzalez brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience to his new role, including an extensive career with both the Canby Police Department and Portland Police Bureau.

Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Gonzalez earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Portland State University in 1994. He began his law enforcement career with the Canby Police Department in January 1996 before joining the Portland Police Bureau in 1998.

During his 21 years with Portland Police, Gonzalez advanced to the rank of Sergeant and served in a variety of assignments, including the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. Following his retirement from Portland Police in February 2019, he returned to the Canby Police Department as a Lieutenant.

In January 2021, Gonzalez became Captain, overseeing several key areas of the department, including investigations, code enforcement, evidence management, task force partnerships, and internal affairs. He was appointed Acting Chief in July 2026, later serving as Interim Chief before his official appointment.

Chief Gonzalez is a graduate of the 279th Session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and holds Executive, Management, and Instructor certifications through Oregon's Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST).

From beginning his law enforcement career in Canby to now leading the very department where that journey started, Chief Gonzalez's appointment represents a meaningful full-circle milestone.

Please join OACP in congratulating Chief Jose Gonzalez on his appointment! We wish him continued success as he leads the Canby Police Department and serves the Canby community.

10/19/2026

A touching tribute 💙

Honoring the Life and Service of K9 Officer Jeff Craven
End of Watch: September 20, 2026

On Saturday, October 17, family, friends, fellow officers, and members of our community gathered to honor the life and legacy of Grants Pass Police K9 Officer Jeff Craven. Following a moving memorial service at Edgewater Christian Fellowship, Officer Craven was laid to rest.

While we mourn his passing, we also reflect with tremendous gratitude on a life devoted to serving others.

Jeff’s commitment to service began in the United States Navy, where he served as an Aircrew Rescue Swimmer. The rescue swimmer motto, “So Others May Live,” was more than a phrase. It represented a calling that Jeff carried with him throughout his life.

Following his military service, Jeff spent seven years with the Flagstaff Police Department in Arizona before joining the Grants Pass Police Department, where he faithfully served our community for the past 12 years.

Throughout his career, Jeff was much more than the uniform he wore. He was a trusted colleague, a loyal friend, and a compassionate officer who stood beside people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. He had a way of making a difference, whether through his dedication to protecting others, his willingness to lend a hand, or simply the kindness he showed to those around him.

As a K9 officer, Jeff served alongside his devoted partner, Maro. Together, they shared a bond built on trust, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to protecting their fellow officers and the community. Following Jeff’s passing, Maro was officially retired from service and now lives with the Craven family, where he will continue to be surrounded by the love and care of those who knew Jeff best.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Edgewater Christian Fellowship, the Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, and the many individuals, organizations, and law enforcement partners who helped honor Jeff’s life and service. To everyone who has supported the Craven family and our department over these past several months through kind words, thoughtful gestures, prayers, and countless acts of compassion, please know how deeply grateful we are. Your support has meant more than words can express.

Above all, we want Jeff’s family to know that his legacy will forever be woven into the fabric of the Grants Pass Police Department. The bonds formed through a lifetime of service do not end with a final call. They endure through the people we love, the memories we share, and the family we will always remain.

Jeff gave so much of himself in service to others. From his days rescuing those in danger at sea to his years protecting the communities he called home, he lived a life that truly reflected the words “So Others May Live.”

On October 17, Officer Craven’s call sign, 137, was called one final time. Though there was no response over the radio, his years of faithful service, the lives he touched, and the example he set will never be forgotten.

K9 Officer Jeff Craven, 137, your watch has ended. Thank you for your courage, your compassion, and your unwavering dedication to others.

Rest easy, Jeff. We have the watch from here.

137. End of Watch: September 20, 2026.

Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation

10/16/2026

Today, the Silver Rail Steam Engines find themselves in a darkness no child, family, or community should ever have to experience.

A steam engine draws upon the strength within to carry its passengers forward, even through the steepest climbs and darkest tunnels. And in moments of unimaginable sorrow, we, too, must reach deep within ourselves - drawing upon compassion, courage, love, and the strength to carry one another when the weight becomes too much to bear alone.

We cannot undo the heartbreak. We cannot replace the lives lost or take away the pain of those left grieving. But we can be a light in the darkness. We can surround those who are hurting with love, stand beside those who are struggling, and remind every child that they are not alone.

The Oregon Association Chiefs of Police stands with the families, students, educators, law enforcement officers, first responders, and the entire Bend community as they navigate the difficult days ahead.

To the Silver Rail Steam Engines: Even the darkest tunnels eventually give way to light. Until that light feels within reach again, know that you do not have to travel this difficult journey alone.

With heavy hearts and unwavering support,

Oregon Association Chiefs of Police

10/12/2026

The Woodland Police Department WA is looking for a Police Chief
Salary range -$117,564 - $151,836
Click below for more information:
https://oracp.memberclicks.net/.../PO%20Police%20Chief...
Click below to apply: https://www.prothman.com/open-recruitments/wa/city-of-woodland-police-chief-3407/
Placing an advertisement with the OACP is a great way to expand the market reach of your personnel search. Click here for more information: https://www.policechief.org/job-board See less

10/05/2026

A great example of community connection happening right here in Oregon. 💙

Keizer Police Department is inviting the community to come together for food, fun, conversation, and a special K9 demonstration as part of Faith & Blue Weekend.

Not in the Keizer area? Faith & Blue events are taking place in communities throughout the state, creating opportunities for law enforcement, faith organizations, and community members to connect outside of the moments when help is needed most.

Find a Faith & Blue event near you:
https://faithandblue.org/events/

Community, food & fun! 🐾

Join us Saturday, October 10 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. for a community Faith & Blue event hosted at Crossroads Fellowship.

Everyone in the community is welcome! Enjoy a free lunch, games, and a special K9 demonstration with Bolt from the Keizer Police Department.

📅 Saturday, October 10
🕚 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
📍 Crossroads Fellowship

Come by, grab a bite, meet your neighbors, and spend some time with members of our community!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

¡Comunidad, comida y diversión! 🐾

Acompáñenos el sábado 10 de octubre, de 11 a.m. a 2 p.m., para un evento comunitario de Faith & Blue, organizado en Crossroads Fellowship.

¡Todos los miembros de la comunidad están invitados! Disfrute de comida gratis, juegos y una demostración especial de Bolt, nuestro K9 del Departamento de Policía de Keizer.

📅 Sábado 10 de octubre
🕚 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
📍 Crossroads Fellowship

¡Venga a disfrutar de una comida, conocer a sus vecinos y compartir un rato con nuestra comunidad!

09/27/2026

A sincere thank you to the sponsors who helped support the 2026 OACP Fall Conference in Ashland!

Your partnership helps make these opportunities for training, connection and leadership development possible for law enforcement leaders from across Oregon. We are grateful for your continued investment in OACP and in the professionals and agencies we serve.

09/17/2026

We may be a little late in sharing the news, but the congratulations are no less sincere. Jeffrey “Jeff” Lee was appointed Chief of the Klamath Tribal Police Department in July, and OACP is pleased to recognize and welcome him to Oregon’s community of police chiefs.

Chief Lee brings more than 13 years of public safety experience and a career spanning tribal, county, municipal and federal law enforcement.

His career began in public safety with the City of Portland Parks & Recreation, where he served as a Park Ranger/Officer. He went on to serve in a wide range of sworn law enforcement roles, including federally commissioned Tribal Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Detective, Patrol Lieutenant and Patrol Captain.

Chief Lee also served as a Special Deputy Task Force Officer with the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force, adding federal task-force experience to an already broad investigative and operational background. His career has included extensive work in patrol operations, criminal and major-case investigations, leadership, training, background investigations, organizational development, budgeting and interagency collaboration. He also has experience in digital forensics examination.

He is a recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award, recognizing advanced leadership development through FBI-LEEDA.

An interesting note from Chief Lee’s investigative career: while serving as a detective with the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office in Idaho, he worked the long-running disappearance of Brian Shookman. The investigation was later featured nationally on Oxygen’s Cold Justice, with Lee appearing on the program as the agency detective working the case.

We’re glad to have finally caught up with the news and look forward to getting to know Chief Lee as he continues his leadership with the Klamath Tribal Police Department.

09/16/2026

The OACP proudly congratulates Lt. Rebecca “Becca” Pietila of the Medford Police Department on being selected as a 2026 IACP "40 Under 40" Award recipient.

The international recognition honors law enforcement professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication, innovation, and commitment to the profession. IACP described this year’s recipients as an accomplished and dedicated group who exemplify leadership and a deep commitment to policing.

A Rogue Valley native, Rebecca began her law enforcement career with the OSP in 2009 before joining the Medford PD in 2010. Throughout her career with Medford, she has served in a broad range of patrol, training, supervisory, professional standards, and command assignments, advancing through the ranks and in 2021, she became the first female lieutenant in MPD history.

Her career has included service as a Drug Recognition Expert, Field Training Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Professional Standards Sergeant, and Patrol Lieutenant, giving her extensive experience in officer development, organizational accountability, personnel leadership, critical-incident response, and day-to-day police operations.

Since 2023, Rebecca has led MPD’s Community Engagement Division, overseeing teams and initiatives focused on livability, traffic safety, schools, code enforcement, and community outreach. Her work has helped strengthen collaborative responses to homelessness, addiction, behavioral health, and community safety, including her leadership and involvement with Jackson County’s Deflection Program.

She has also helped advance programs that build relationships between law enforcement and the community, including the Rogue Valley Girls Police Camp, Latino Citizens’ Academy, Popsicle Patrol, mentorship efforts, and other community-engagement initiatives. Her leadership reflects a commitment not only to effective policing, but also to developing future leaders and creating opportunities for women in the profession.

Rebecca’s record of service has previously earned recognition including the 2023 Outstanding Achievement Award for the Livability Team and being named one of Jackson County’s Top 10 Emerging Leaders in 2024.

Becca has also been a member of the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police for nearly five years, making it especially meaningful for OACP to celebrate this recognition alongside her.

As part of the 40 Under 40 recognition, Becca will be featured in the September 2026 issue of Police Chief magazine and recognized on IACP’s website. She will be honored alongside her fellow award recipients at the IACP 40 Under 40 Award Luncheon in Orlando, Florida, during the 2026 IACP Annual Conference.

Congratulations, Lieutenant Pietila, on this outstanding and well-deserved honor. OACP is proud to celebrate your leadership, service, and the positive impact you continue to make within your agency, your community, and Oregon’s law enforcement profession.