Bend Police Celebrate Safety Achievements with Major Awards

The Bend Police Department has garnered significant recognition for its commitment to public safety, as evidenced by their recent accolades. Announced on Thursday, the department has been awarded the title of 2025 Enforcement Agency of the Year by the Oregon DUII Multi-Disciplinary Training Task Force. In a notable individual achievement, Officer Zachary Childers has been honored as the 2025 DUII Officer of the Year.

Officer Childers: A Dedicated Advocate for Road Safety

Officer Zachary Childers, who has served with the Bend Police since 2017 and has over a decade of law enforcement experience, plays a vital role as a DUII/Aggressive Driving Enforcement Officer. His dedication to ensuring road safety was highlighted during the awards ceremony held at the 2026 Oregon DUII Multi-Disciplinary Conference, where Mothers Against Drunk Driving also recognized him for his crucial work.

Proactive Measures for Community Safety

The recognition comes as a result of the Bend Police's concerted efforts in DUI enforcement. In 2025, the department made over 550 DUI arrests, with Officer Childers contributing significantly with 151 arrests. As Sheila Miller, the Bend Police Communications Manager, emphasized, "His commitment to keeping our roads safe by finding and arresting impaired drivers makes a huge difference in our community." The department's initiatives extend beyond enforcement, also focusing on educational programs that teach traffic safety to young people, utilizing hands-on exercises that simulate impaired driving.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Community Partnerships

In a proactive move to enhance community safety, the Bend Police Department staffed additional officers on New Year’s Eve to deter impaired driving and established an education booth to provide free alcohol breath testing to nearly 200 individuals. The department’s emphasis on collaboration with community members and educational outreach aims to create a safer environment for all road users. Miller reiterated the department's encouraging 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.”

As Bend continues to tackle the challenges posed by impaired driving, the acknowledgment of its officers and the dedication of the police department reflect a strong commitment to preserving public safety and building a collaborative community culture.