Fallen Law Enforcement Memorial

Honor guard members escort family members of fallen law enforcement officers to the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem on May 6, 2025. The annual ceremony honors 199 officers who have died in the line of duty in Oregon since the 1860s.

A ceremony held Tuesday, May 6 commemorated law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty in Oregon. The annual Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony honors the state’s fallen officers and those they left behind. The event was held at the Oregon Public Safety Academy, site of the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial. Tuesday’s ceremony remembered three fallen officers whose names were recently added to the memorial: Patrolman Andrew J. Laugeson of the Portland Police Bureau, end of watch May 12, 1917; Policeman George M. Lowe of the Ashland Police Department, end of watch March 3, 1919; and Assistant Chief Merle W. Bethscheider of the Silverton Police Department, end of watch May 29, 1965.

The ceremony was attended by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, elected officials and public safety professionals from throughout the state. In addressing the audience, Governor Kotek paid tribute to the state’s fallen officers, honoring their courage, selflessness, and enduring legacy, while offering her condolences and gratitude to the loved ones they left behind.  

“Who we are as people in the face of adversity is an opportunity to be our very best selves. The officers memorialized today met the moment with dignity and heroism and made the ultimate sacrifice,” Governor Kotek Said. “There is no sacrifice more noble, no pledge to the public more honorable, and that extends to their families as well.”

Patrolman Andrew J. Laugeson succumbed died on May 12, 1917 after succumbing to injuries from a fall. Patrolman Laugeson was boarding a streetcar on Mississippi Avenue when he slipped and fell, striking his head on the pavement. He was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital, where he passed away two days later. Patrolman Laugeson had served with the Portland Police Bureau for five years, and was survived by his wife and eight children. Policeman George M. Lowe on foot patrol in the early morning hours of March 3, 1919, and was struck by a train after it switched tracks. Policeman Lowe succumbed to his wounds instantly. He had served with the Ashland Police Department for seven months and was survived by his wife and five children.

Assistant Chief Merle W. Bethscheider suffered a massive heart attack while in pursuit of a suspect on May 29, 1965. He was survived by his son, his mother, and his brother.  

Speaking on behalf of Patrolman Laugeson, Deputy Chief Chris Gjovik of the Portland Police Bureau emphasized that the sacrifices of the officers whose names adorn the wall never fade with time. “By placing Andrew’s name here, we not only honor his life of sacrifice, but we also reaffirm that no matter how many years pass, we will not forget those who gave everything in the name of public safety,” he said. “Their stories, their service, and their humanity live on in the hearts of those who continue to wear the badge, and in the stone that bears their names.”

The memorial bears the names of the 199 officers who have died in the line of duty since the 1860s. This includes law enforcement, corrections, and parole and probation officers from city, county, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies. The ceremony is a significant event that the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is honored to host each year in partnership with the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Oregon Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, and Oregon's various statewide law enforcement associations.

Oregon’s memorial ceremony is held ahead of National Police Week events in Washington, D.C. so that family members and coworkers can attend both memorial ceremonies. More than 23,000 officers who have died in the line of duty are honored on the national memorial. 

Captain Shane Strangfield of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, president of the Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation Board of Directors, spoke of the duty to preserve the legacy of the fallen and ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten. “When they took their oath to serve, they made a solemn commitment to the citizens of Oregon,” Captain Strangfield said. “In turn, we made a commitment to them, and to their families, that their sacrifice would never be forgotten.”