Madison South Neighborhood

Adopt-A-Cop

What is "Adopt-A-Cop"

In brief our neighborhood 'adopts cops' that work in our neighborhood. We send them cards on all the holidays and have the opportunity to get to know them. Our adopted cops are great people and neighbors. They have participated in many of our neighborhood activities such as the "Day in the Parks" and the "Saftey Fair". Some of them have consented to give a little biography to help you get to know them even better. Read on to find out more...

Meet Our Cops

Let us introduce you to Stg. Greg White, One of Madison South's terrific "Adopted Cops."

Stg. White, a native Orgonian, became interested in becoming a Police Officer because a neighbor of his in the Brooklyn Neighborhood and has been a Police Officer for 21 years, most of those as a Motercycle Officer in the Traffic Division.

Greg enjoys his job very much and says, "You really do get back as much as you give to your job." He also wants neighbors to know that Police Officers are human like the rest of us, that Officers believe in what they are doing, and that they are our neighbors and are eager to work with the neighborhoods to improve the livability of our community.

When Sgt. White is not busy with traffic duties, he is an instructor for the Portland Police Bureau and teaches a class fot the "Citizens' Police Academy," a program to educate citizens on the workings of the Police Bureau. He also takes the time to participate in neighborhood activities such as Madison South's recent "A Day in the Parks" event at Hancock Park. Off-duty, Greg likes to spend his time riding and takeing trips on his personal motorcycle.

Sgt. White would like the neighbors to be aware that they need to let the Police Bureau know what is important to them, and that the neighborhoods and the Police Bureau must work together, in a partnership, to affect positive changes in our community. Commenting on the "Adopt-A-Cop" Program, Greg says, "It's a great Program." and he'd like to see it expanded city wide (Sgt. White is one of the three traffic officers "adopted" by Madison South.)

Thanks, Sgt. White, for all that you do for Madison South. WE sincerely appreciate all of your efforts on behalf of our neighborhood.

Adopt-A-Cop Update (1/15/00)

Madison South Neighborhood Associationis pleased to announce the addition of two new officers to its Adopted Cops roster.

Officer Tracy Bertalot, who is a graduate of Madison High School, is Madison South's new Neighborhood Liaison Officer. Tracy has been an officer with Portland Police Bureau for six years and is taking over neighborhood duties from Officer Larry Wingfield. Larry is now a member of S.E.R.T., the Police Bureau's Special Emergany Response Team.

Officer Doug Erickson is the Drug Awarness Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Officer many neighbors met at this past summer's "A Day in the Parks" event. Doug spends one day each work week educating students about the D.A.R.E. program. He is very enthusiastic about his job and it shows. Officer Erickson attended both the morning and afternoon "Parks" events and talked to all of the neighbors about the D.A.R.E. and Gang Resistant Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) programs. Doug and Tracy both work out of Eact Precinct.

Officer Steve Harmon officially retired from the Bureau on Friday, September 17,1999. Steve, who worked out of Northeast Precinct, was honored by his fellow officers for his 25 years of outstanding police work. Officer Harmon will be working at his second career as a pilot for Horizon Airlines.

Officer Julia Rico is still on sick leave pending a liver transplant. Julia is appreciative of all of the cards that have been sent to her from the neighbors of Madison South. Get well wishes for Officer Rico may be sent in care of Northeast Precinct, 449 N.E. Emerson Street, Portland, OR 97221.

Stg. White and Officer Dave Sessum nd Dean Hedges, who work out of Traffic Division, are all doing great. You can find Greg, Dave and Dean patrolling the streets of Portland on the Police motorcycles.