Bend Police Department Shines with Two Prestigious Awards: A Community Commitment to Safety
The Bend Police Department has recently garnered notable recognition, being awarded the 2025 Enforcement Agency of the Year by the Oregon DUII Multi-Disciplinary Training Task Force. This accolade underscores the department's unwavering commitment to ensuring road safety and combating impaired driving in the community.
Officer of the Year Recognition
In a remarkable achievement, Officer Zachary Childers received the title of 2025 DUII Officer of the Year. Having served as a Bend officer since 2017, he has dedicated over a decade of his life to law enforcement, with substantial focus on DUII and aggressive driving enforcement. This recognition was presented at the 2026 Oregon DUII Multi-Disciplinary Conference, showcasing the impactful efforts of officers like Childers in enhancing public safety.
Impressive DUI Arrest Statistics
In 2025 alone, the Bend Police Department made over 550 DUI arrests, with Officer Childers responsible for 151 of those. His proactive approach not only reflects his personal dedication but also represents the department's strategic focus on enforcement. Sheila Miller, the Bend Police Communications Manager, praised Childers' commitment, highlighting the significant difference this makes in the community.
Prioritizing Education and Prevention
Beyond strict enforcement measures, the Bend Police Department emphasizes education and public awareness. In 2025, they collaborated with school resource officers to engage students in traffic safety education through hands-on exercises. These initiatives are designed to prevent impaired driving by providing young people with the knowledge and tools necessary to make safe choices.
Community Engagement on New Year’s Eve
Demonstrating their seriousness about tackling DUIIs, the department also enhanced patrols during high-risk periods, such as New Year's Eve. With 10 additional officers deployed in downtown Bend, they not only ensured public safety but also provided free alcohol breath testing to nearly 200 locals, fostering community involvement in safety practices.
Sheila Miller concluded with a vital reminder for the community, reinforcing the message: “We encourage every member of our community to not get behind the wheel while impaired, so we can all work together to keep our roads safe for all users.” This proactive approach fosters a culture of accountability and safety, making Bend a safer place for everyone.
