Shearer
SPRINGFIELD – After serving the Springfield community for nearly a year as interim chief, Andrew Shearer has been appointed the next police chief. He will be sworn in on March 28.
Shearer has over 29 years of law enforcement experience, most recently as assistant chief of police with Portland.
“A safe city requires trust and partnership between police and community in addition to a combined commitment to public safety for all,” Shearer said. “That commitment is strong here in Springfield. I am confident that existing partnerships will strengthen, new ones will grow, and we can achieve even greater successes in this city.”
“Chief Shearer’s approach to the responsibilities of police chief have been exemplary,” said Nancy Newton, city manager. “He embodies the balance we need to ensure we conduct our work based on best practices and accountability, provide proper training and support for SPD; and serve all community members with respect, fairness and dignity.”
Among the highlights since May 2021, Newton said that SPD has:
• Went live with body-worn camera and in-car video program.
• Implemented software to enhance accountability and continuous improvement related to use of force, vehicle pursuits, and complaints.
• Established a peer support program for emotional survival of first responders.
• Implemented changes to policy and training after recommendations from the assessment of the shooting death of Stacy Kenny.
• All members completed FEMA National Incident Management System training to better prepare SPD to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from major incidents.
• Implemented a one-year pilot program for UAS (drone) to enhance community and officer safety and to supplement de-escalation efforts. Established a strategic partnership with EPD to develop an area drone team.
• Commissioned and executed a community-wide survey with residents of Springfield. (Final report to be released in the coming weeks.)
Residents can share their thoughts about the new chief at springfield-or.gov by March 29. There will be “Coffee with the Chief” opportunities later.
■ Creswell investigations updates: An “unlawful use of vehicle” call turned into a robbery-kidnapping-UUV that started on Camp Creek Rd. and traveled to the victim’s house in Creswell, where they stole his car. The LCSO deputy investigating the case has leads, according to Sgt. Scott Denham. No one was injured, he said, but threats with a firearm allegedly were made. Drugs are involved, Denham confirmed. … LCSO deputy Luke Thomas investigated several thefts from vehicles parked in the JR Trucking lot behind AM/PM store on E. Oregon Ave. Thomas was able to locate the suspect after another deputy found him at Mount Pisgah fixing his car. He was arrested and sent to county jail.
■ Springfield man arrested for firearms, drugs: Detectives arrested Dustin Iseli, 40, of Springfield on March 15 for multiple drug and firearm-related charges. Also detained was Christina Samuel, 34 of Springfield. A search of Iseli’s vehicle revealed over one pound of suspected methamphetamine, 127 grams of suspected heroin, 2,000 suspected fentanyl pills, 13 grams of suspected psilocybin mushrooms, and two loaded handguns.
■ Dead body discovered: LCSO deputies and Mohawk Valley Fire personnel responded to the 92000-block of Marcola Road on March 14 regarding the report of a deceased person. Paramedics found an adult male, deceased, later identified as Bruce Alan Putzier, 58, of Coburg. His death doesn’t appear to be criminal; however, police are looking into the circumstances leading up to his death. If you have information, please call 541-682-4150.
■ Crolly graduates from FBI Academy: SPRINGFIELD — Police lieutenant George Crolly graduated from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Va., after completing the 10-week advanced training program as a member of the 281st Session of the Academy. Crolly has lived in the Springfield area for over 24 years and is a veteran of the United States Air Force.Since being hired by SPD in 1998, Crolly has worked as a patrol officer, detective and sergeant.
