Bend Police Department Recognized for Exceptional Community Safety Efforts
The Bend Police Department has received a significant honor, being awarded the 2025 Enforcement Agency of the Year by the Oregon DUII Multi-Disciplinary Training Task Force. This recognition highlights the department's commitment to maintaining road safety and reducing intoxicated driving incidents within the community.
Officer Zachary Childers Honored
In addition to the department's award, Officer Zachary Childers was named the 2025 DUII Officer of the Year. Officer Childers, who has served with the Bend Police since 2017, has an impressive record of 151 DUI arrests in 2025 alone. His dedication to identifying and apprehending impaired drivers is crucial in ensuring the safety of all road users.
A Focus on Education and Prevention
Beyond enforcement, the Bend Police Department emphasizes prevention strategies. They collaborated with school resource officers to teach traffic safety to students through engaging exercises that simulate impaired driving scenarios. This proactive approach not only informs young individuals about the dangers of intoxicated driving but also fosters responsible behavior among future drivers.
Community Engagement on New Year’s Eve
On New Year’s Eve, the department significantly increased patrols in downtown Bend, demonstrating their commitment to preventing DUI incidents during high-risk times. They set up an education booth that provided free alcohol breath testing to nearly 200 attendees. These initiatives aim to create awareness and ensure that community members understand the importance of staying sober behind the wheel.
Sheila Miller, Bend Police Communications Manager, stated, "Our priority is to keep drunk and drug-impaired drivers off our roads. We encourage everyone in our community to refrain from driving impaired. Together, we can ensure safer journeys for everyone." This statement underscores the department's continuous efforts towards improving road safety and promoting responsible driving practices.
