A group consisting of statewide law enforcement associations began meeting in the 1980s with a single goal — to build an Oregon memorial honoring our state's law enforcement officers who had given their lives in the line of duty. The Law Enforcement Memorial Fund was established in Oregon Revised Statute by the Oregon Legislative Assembly to build and maintain the memorial. Through grants and donations from citizens, businesses, and law enforcement organizations statewide, the Memorial became a reality. Designer John David Forsgren of Portland, Oregon, was selected to create the Oregon Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Memorial on the grounds of the Oregon Public Safety Academy.
In describing the Memorial, Mr. Forsgren stated:
“The curved granite wall represents our life with the ones we've lost. The wall with the names of the deceased represents death itself; the life we've known ends and is buried. The trees represent our lives after our loss. Our lives are transformed and renewed, different from what we could have imagined. But in the roots of life after loss are the memories, the hearts, and the commitment of those we've loved and lost. We are sustained and fed by them, and by the gift of having had those fallen officers in our lives.”
The Memorial was constructed on the grounds of the Oregon Public Safety Academy on the Western Oregon University campus in Monmouth. It was dedicated on May 15, 1991. The Memorial was later moved to the site of the new academy in Salem and re-dedicated during the annual ceremony on May 11, 2006.
The Memorial honors Oregon law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, some dating as far back as the 1860s. It honors all Oregon law enforcement officers, including city, county, and state police officers; county and state corrections officers; parole and probation officers; and other local, state, and federal law enforcement agents and officers.
It is our hope that no additional names are ever added to the Memorial. If they are, we are proud to have a state memorial that honors and serves as a daily reminder of the sacrifices made by these brave men and women. The Colors Ceremony held daily at the Academy honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.