Bend Police Department Recognized for Exceptional Commitment to Road Safety

In a commendable achievement, the Bend Police Department has been awarded the 2025 Enforcement Agency of the Year by the Oregon DUII Multi-Disciplinary Training Task Force. This recognition highlights the department's outstanding efforts in combatting impaired driving and promoting road safety within the community.

Acknowledgment of Excellence in Law Enforcement

Officer Zachary Childers, a dedicated member of the Bend Police since 2017, was also honored as the 2025 DUII Officer of the Year. With over a decade of law enforcement experience, Officer Childers has demonstrated exceptional commitment in his role as a DUII/Aggressive Driving Enforcement Officer, contributing to the arrest of over 150 drivers under the influence in 2025 alone. This significant accomplishment reflects both his dedication and the overall commitment of the Bend Police to safeguarding public health and safety.

Proactive Community Engagement and Education

The Bend Police Department’s approach goes beyond enforcement; it actively engages in preventive measures. In collaboration with school resource officers, the department introduced educational programs focused on traffic safety. These initiatives included hands-on exercises designed to simulate impaired driving, allowing students to understand the dangers associated with driving under the influence.

Community Commitment to Safety

In response to the concerning statistics regarding DUI-related incidents, Bend Police demonstrated a proactive stance, especially on New Year’s Eve, by deploying additional patrol officers throughout downtown to deter impaired driving. The department also set up an educational booth offering free breath testing to nearly 200 members of the public, reinforcing the importance of responsible drinking.

The recognition of Bend Police underscores the essential role law enforcement plays in promoting road safety. As quoted by Sheila Miller, Bend Police Communications Manager, "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 collaborative effort signifies a unified commitment to protecting both residents and visitors of Bend.