NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK

APRIL 12^TH – 18^TH

The second full week in April is recognized as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. During this week, we take time to recognize and honor those who serve on the “Front lines for the First Responders.” These are the dedicated and talented women and men who serve in 9-1-1 Centers across the Country. Though they are rarely seen, they serve as the gateway for people needing public safety services; Medical, Fire or Law Enforcement.

For the previous 14,235 days, or 341,640 hours, or 20,498,400 minutes, these dedicated professionals have been answering emergency and non-emergency calls for service at Astoria 9-1-1, non-stop; never going out of service. The job has only become more complicated and busier over the years, yet these talented people simply adopt to the ever-changing demands, and roll on. Holidays, weekends, nights, family gatherings all take a back seat to the public service they provide.

It is not a job for everyone; in fact, very few distinguish themselves with the title of Public Safety Telecommunicator, oftentimes referred to as Dispatchers. Industry average tells us only about thirty percent will make it through intensive on-the-job training, as well as nearly a month at the Academy. Oregon was one of the first in the nation to require State level certifications for Dispatchers.

It’s my pleasure to take the week, and recognize them for the often thankless, unseen superb work they accomplish every day. They are told the worst, and always send the best!

Jeff Rusiecki
Emergency Communications Manager
City of Astoria 9-1-1

Thursday Press Log

Monday Press Log

There are numerous rumors about a kidnapping that occurred near Big 5 today. Those rumors are false, there is no truth to them at all. The report of people yelling and chasing cars had to do with a theft that occurred, nothing more.

Thank You

On 08/27/2019 at 2:03 PM a 40 year old Astoria woman called 911 reporting she had been robbed when a male subject grabbed her in a “bear hug” and reportedly stole currency and prescription medication from her pants pockets while she walking on a trail near Smith Point in Astoria.  The suspect is described as unshaven (2-3 days growth) white male, medium build, medium height with shoulder length medium to dark brown curly hair.  The suspect was reportedly wearing a “grungy” dark color, Carhartt style jacket, a dark t-shirt and blue jeans.  The suspect was last seen running uphill towards Alameda Ave.  Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect.   Anyone who may have information regarding this incident is asked to call the Astoria Police Department at 503-325-4411.

On 07/08/2019 at 12:10 hrs. Astoria Dispatch Center received a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in the 400 Block of West Marine Dr.  Astoria Police, Astoria Fire Department and Medix Ambulance responded.  The initial arriving officers found 39 year old Steven Black of Astoria  in the roadway.  He was suffering from a severe leg injury that had severed the femoral artery.  Officers were able to use tourniquet’s to stop the bleeding.

The initial investigation revealed Black ran from the shoulder of the road into the roadway before being struck by a Westbound Chevrolet pickup truck.  Black was over 100 feet West of the intersection when he ran into traffic.

Black was initially transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital for treatment and was later transferred to a Portland area hospital via Life Flight.

On 07/02/2019 at about 8:31 PM Astoria Police Dispatch Center was notified by the US Coast Guard that a body had reportedly been located on the South East side of Sand Island near Illwaco, Washington.  Astoria Police Department and the Clatsop County Medical Examiner accompanied the Coast Guard by boat to the location and recovered the body, later identified as that of 24 year old Daniel Brian Williams of Warrenton.  Williams  jumped from the Astoria Megler Bridge on May 23rd, 2019.

On 06/28/2019 at 11:35 hrs. Astoria Police responded to a report of a man with a gun who had been trying to steal beer from Small Stop 76 Station, 180 Marine Drive, Astoria. On arrival it was learned that the man identified as 21 year old Nicholas Michael Strange of Olympia Washington had entered the store and reportedly hid beer under his shirt. When confronted by an attendant at the business, Strange reportedly began to struggle with the attendant. During the struggle another employee called police and noted that Strange had what appeared to be a handgun tucked into his pants. On police arrival, attendants and some citizens had Strange pinned to the ground. Strange was taken into custody for Robbery III without further incident. It was determined that the reported handgun was a look-a-like to a Glock handgun with the same type of manufacturer markings. The gun turned out the be a pellet gun. “Though the gun was not utilized by Strange in the taking of property it turned an already tense situation into one that was more dangerous for everyone involved, including Strange”, said Deputy Chief Eric Halverson. “There was no way for the employees at the store or our officers to know the gun wasn’t a deadly weapon.” Halverson said.

Strange was lodged at the Clatsop County Jail on Robbery III charges.

On 06/13/2019 at 1:43 PM Astoria 911 center received a report of a vehicle versus pedestrian crash in the area of 46th and Leif Erikson Drive. Astoria Police, Astoria Fire Department and Medix Ambulance responded to the crash. Preliminary investigation determined that 49 year old Suzie Skirvin, of Clatskanie, was operating a 2011 Chevy Cruise and was traveling West on Leif Erikson Drive. Skirvin was slowing and reportedly drifted to the shoulder of the road striking a trailer and a 25 year old Astoria man who was placing a sign on the trailer. The man was conscious at the scene. He was transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital for treatment. At this time the incident remains under investigation.

On 05/31/2019 at 3:03 PM Astoria dispatch received a report of a vehicle abandoned on the Astoria Megler Bridge near the center span. Oregon State Police, Astoria Police, Clatsop County Marine Patrol and the United States Coast Guard responded to the location and checked the bridge from above and below for any pedestrians but none was located. The abandoned vehicle was removed from the bridge under its own power. Attempts to contact the person associated with the vehicle have been unsuccessful so far. At this time information is not being released about the person pending contact with his family.

At this time the Oregon State Police is handling the investigation into the abandoned vehicle and the person believed to have abandoned it. If anyone was on the bridge and saw a person associated with the vehicle, they are asked to contact the Oregon State Police at 503-325-2231