(Note: Media requests for ride-alongs or interviews should be directed to your local OSP office. A list of OSP office numbers is available in the Regional Contact Information link on our website)

***

Impaired driving is a serious problem, one that law enforcement officers in Oregon and around the country will continue to target through the Labor Day holiday weekend as part of a national campaign, "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.". This is one of two national traffic safety campaigns aimed to prevent and reduce injuries and deaths on our highways around the holiday weekend.

Police officers in Oregon and around the country started stepping up impaired driving enforcement efforts August 20, and are keeping the pressure on through the holiday weekend, September 3 - 6. Coinciding with efforts to remove impaired drivers off the road is a statewide effort running August 30 through September 12 monitoring safety belt usage, with an emphasis on child passengers.

Last year during the national crackdown period, Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers reported a 13 percent increase in the number of DUII arrests as compared to the previous year. The highly publicized enforcement efforts by Oregon police officers may have had an impact as the Labor Day holiday weekend approached. Prior to the holiday weekend OSP troopers reported a 60 percent jump in the number of reported DUII arrests, but during the holiday weekend reported DUII arrests dropped 18 percent drop compared to the 2008 Labor Day holiday period.

Fatal crash statistics tracked by ODOT's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) indicate the Labor Day holiday period is historically the second deadliest on Oregon roads. Since 1970, an average of seven traffic-related deaths happens in Oregon each year during the Labor Day holiday weekend. Last year, two people died on Oregon roads during the 78-hour reporting period, September 4 – 7. One victim was the lone occupant in a single vehicle rollover crash in Josephine County and the second was a pedestrian who died five days after being struck in Klamath County.

OSP Captain Joel Lujan, Patrol Services Division director, pointed out that while it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher in every state, impairment may start with the first drink, particularly when mixed with other substances.

"All too often, innocent people suffer tragic consequences and the loss of a loved one due to this careless disregard for human life. We continue our commitment to stopping this carnage, intensifying enforcement efforts and being especially vigilant during high-risk nighttime hours when impaired drivers are most likely to be on our roads," said Lujan.

The Transportation Safety Division (TSD) of ODOT supports Oregon's law enforcement agencies as they work together to crackdown on impaired drivers.

"We applaud all of our officers and those who support their enforcement efforts by planning ahead and pledging not to drink and drive. Everyone wins when our roads are safer," said Troy E. Costales, TSD administrator.

The Oregon State Police, Oregon State Sheriff's Association, Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, and Oregon Department of Transportation offer the following safety reminders for holiday travel:

* Be watchful for emergency vehicles and workers. MOVE OVER if you are approaching any type of emergency vehicle, tow truck or roadside assistance vehicle which is stopped on the roadside with emergency lights activated.
* Get plenty of rest before starting out. Fatigued drivers are more frequent during holiday weekends because of increased travel and activity. Allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
* Be aware that ODOT is in the midst of the busiest highway construction season ever. Stay up to date on road conditions by visiting TripCheck.com or calling 5-1-1. Outside Oregon, dial (503) 588-2941. Even when workers are not present, all work zone speed limits still apply and fines double. Inactive work zones still have equipment, detours, and incomplete changes in the roadway so drivers need to slow down and be alert.
* Know before you go. When traveling anywhere, plan ahead and take know routes if possible. Visiting TripCheck.com on the Internet provides information on road and weather conditions, incidents and traffic delays, and links to numerous cameras along major routes.
* Buckle up every trip, every time. Be sure to use child safety seats correctly.
* Don't drink and drive.

Lujan urged everyone to play an important part in keeping our highways and city streets safe by immediately reporting aggressive, dangerous, and intoxicated drivers to the Oregon State Police at 1-800-24DRUNK (1-800-243-7865) or call 9-1-1.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-08/1002/37940/OSP.Badge.jpg

(Note: OSP was advised PAULSEN flown by air to St. Aphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, not St. Charles in Bend as noted in the earlier news release)

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers from the Burns worksite are continuing the investigation into Tuesday evening's serious injury traffic crash on Highway 20 sixteen miles east of Burns involving a sport utility vehicle and a farm tractor.

On August 24, 2010, at about 8:44 p.m. a 1999 Jeep Cherokee driven MICHAEL PAULSEN, age 19, from Vale, collided with a John Deere tractor as both vehicles traveled eastbound near milepost 148. The collision sheered off the tractor's left side dual tires. The tractor's driver, DEAN NIKKEL, age 24, from Burns, moved it off the roadway after the collision.

The Jeep came to rest in the eastbound lane and caught fire with PAULSEN trapped inside. Burns and Hines volunteer firefighters responded and extinguished the flames before they were able to reach PAULSEN to extricate him. PAULSEN was initially transported to Harney District Hospital and later was taken by air ambulance to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho.

Oregon State Police troopers, with assistance from an OSP Collision Reconstructionist from the Ontario Area Command office, is investigating alcohol as a possible contributing factor for PAULSEN.

ODOT, Harney EMS, and volunteer fire departments from Burns and Hines assisted at the scene.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-08/1002/37784/082410.hwy20mp148.1.jpg , 2010-08/1002/37784/082410.hwy20mp148.2.jpg , 2010-08/1002/37784/082410.hwy20mp148.3.jpg

Salem – Today Governor Ted Kulongoski announced the appointment of Chris P. Brown to the position of Superintendent of the Oregon State Police effective September 1, 2010 pending State Senate confirmation. Brown will assume the Department's leadership following the retirement of Superintendent Timothy McLain.

"Deputy Superintendent Chris Brown will provide the continuity of leadership needed for the Oregon State Police during these difficult economic times," Governor Ted Kulongoski said. "Chris also brings a valuable perspective from outside of the agency with his previous experience as a local Chief of Police and County Sheriff."

Superintendent McLain announced his retirement in July following over 31 years with the Oregon State Police, including nearly four years as the executive and administrative head of the Department since being appointed by Governor Kulongoski in 2006.

"Superintendent McLain has dedicated his career to the Oregon State Police and has been an exemplary Superintendent in challenging times," Governor Kulongoski said. "He has always put the safety of our citizens first and never lost touch with the troopers who put their lives at risk everyday for the safety of our communities."

Upon receiving Superintendent McLain's resignation, the Governor launched a recruitment process that included input from a variety of public safety stakeholders. Given the unique challenges that come with this uncertain economic time, as well as his diverse experience at the local, county and state levels, there was consistent and broad support for Brown to assume the role as the next Superintendent.

"During the last three years, Chris proved every day that he was a trusted advisor and leader during a time we faced, and continue to face, significant challenges," said McLain. "I leave at a time knowing that Governor Kulongoski's selection is putting the Department in very good hands. I have been proud to serve the Governor, the citizens of Oregon, our law enforcement partners, and the men and women of this proud agency."

Chris Brown had served as the Public Safety Service Bureau Commander for the Oregon State Police beginning in 2008. McLain appointed Brown as Deputy Superintendent in 2009 with responsibility for overall operations, policy and administration of the Department. Brown also previously served as Chief of Police for the City of Roseburg and as Sheriff of Douglas County.

Brown holds an Executive Certification from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, graduated from Northwest Christian College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management, and served on numerous board and committees at the state and national levels. He is a certified instructor in professional subjects including leadership and supervision, ethics, and traumatic incident intervention.

Brown will be the 11th Superintendent in the Department's history since formation in 1931. A link to past Superintendents can be found at http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/past_superintendents.shtml

***

The Oregon State Police is a full-service public safety agency providing diverse services to the citizens of Oregon. Our mission is to enhance livability and safety by protecting the people, property, and natural resources of the state. To realize our vision and accomplish our mission our objectives are to BE THERE (be ready and able to respond to the increasing needs of Oregonians); PREVENT HARM (engage in vigilant enforcement of laws and regulations while making Oregon's roadways safe and reducing our citizen's exposure to crime, fire and disasters); and, SUPPORT OREGON COMMUNITIES (providing specialized services and assistance throughout Oregon in support of the statewide public safety infrastructure).

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: Superintendent Chris Brown

100828-A-6947H-001: Attendees of the Charles L. Deibert Operations Facility honor the colors during the playing of the National Anthem during the building's dedication ceremony, in Salem, Ore., Aug. 28. From right to left are: Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski; Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army; Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon; and Lt. Col. (ret.) Keith D. Bauder, Division Chief of the Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction Division, National Guard Bureau. The new facility replaces the Army Aviation Support Facility #1, just off Turner Road, adjacent to McNary Field in Salem. Oregon Army National Guard units, including the 2-641 Aviation Battalion and 102nd Civil Support Team are headquartered in the new building. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

100828-A-6947H-002: Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon (right), presents Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, a photo of the newly-dedicated building named in his honor, at the facility's dedication ceremony, Aug. 28, in Salem, Ore. Deibert, a former member of the Oregon Army National Guard, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, among other recognition, for heroic actions as a reconnaissance pilot during the Vietnam conflict. The new facility replaces the Army Aviation Support Facility #1, just off Turner Road, adjacent to McNary Field in Salem. Oregon Army National Guard units, including the 2-641 Aviation Battalion and 102nd Civil Support Team are headquartered in the new building. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

100828-A-6947H-003: Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski, (center left), Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon (center), and Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (center right), stand among other guests and attendees for the ribbon cutting portion of the dedication ceremony for the Charles L. Deibert Operations Facility, Aug. 28, in Salem, Ore. The new facility replaces the Army Aviation Support Facility #1, just off Turner Road, adjacent to McNary Field in Salem. Oregon Army National Guard units, including the 2-641 Aviation Battalion and 102nd Civil Support Team are headquartered in the new building. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

100828-A-6947H-004: Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski (center), Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon (center right), Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (center left), Lt. Col. (ret.) Keith D. Bauder, Division Chief of the Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction Division, National Guard Bureau (right), and Warrant Officer-1 David McPherson, cut the ceremonial cake during the dedication ceremony for the Charles L. Deibert Operations Facility, Aug. 28, in Salem, Ore. The new facility replaces the Army Aviation Support Facility #1, just off Turner Road, adjacent to McNary Field in Salem. Oregon Army National Guard units, including the 2-641 Aviation Battalion and 102nd Civil Support Team are headquartered in the new building. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

100828-A-6947H-005: Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski (left), stands with Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, and his wife Suzanne, during the dedication ceremony of a new facility named in honor of Deibert, Aug. 28, in Salem, Ore. The Charles L. Deibert Operations Facility replaces an older building located just off Turner Road, adjacent to McNary Field in Salem. Oregon Army National Guard units, including the 2-641 Aviation Battalion and 102nd Civil Support Team are headquartered in the new building. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).


To read the citation for the Distinguished Service Cross which was awarded to Deibert, visit: http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=5208.

To view a video biography of Deibert's life, produced by the Oregon Military Department, visit: http://videos.oregonlive.com/oregonian/2010/08/vietnan_veteran_larry_deibert.html.


Attached Media Files: Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski (left), stands with Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, and his wife Suzanne, during the dedication ceremony of a new facility named in honor of Deibert, Aug. 28, in Salem, Ore. The Charles L. , Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski (center), Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon (center right), Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (center left), Lt. Col. (ret.) Keith D. Bauder, Division Chief of the Combat , Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski, (center left), Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon (center), and Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (center right), stand among other guests and attendees for the ribbon cu , Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon (right), presents Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, a photo of the newly-dedicated building named in his honor, at the facility’s dedication ceremony, Aug. 28, in Salem, , Attendees of the Charles L. Deibert Operations Facility honor the colors during the playing of the National Anthem during the building’s dedication ceremony, in Salem, Ore., Aug. 28. From right to left are: Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski; Charles L. D

High resolution photos can be obtained at:
http://dvidshub.net/image/308556/capt-john-w-brown-armory-dedication-ceremony


Attached Media Files: Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon, talks with men who had served with Capt. John W. Brown, at the dedication ceremony of the CPT John W. Brown Armory, Ontario, Ore. August 11. The newly constructed armory was dedicated to and named a , Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski (right), Joe Dominick, Mayor of Ontario, Ore. (center), and Congressman Greg Walden, Oregon Representative, discuss the highlights of the CPT John W. Brown Armory, Ontario, Ore. The newly constructed armory was dedicated to , Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski, Mrs. Geraldine Brown, widow of Capt. John W. Brown, and a Soldier from 3 Battalion, 116 Cavalry, cut the cake at the dedication ceremony of the CPT John W. Brown Armo , Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski, and Mrs. Geraldine Brown, widow of Capt. John W. Brown, among other military and state honored guests line up for the ceremonial ribbing cutting during the dedication , From left; Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon, Joe Dominick, Mayor of Ontario, Ore, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski, Mrs. Geraldine Brown, widow of Capt. John W. Brown, and other family members of Capt. Brown, unveil commemorative phot

*** PHOTO RELEASE ***

100810F-1639C-426.JPG
Brig. Gen. Mohd Habibur Rahman Khan, Commandant of the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), speaks with Oregon Air National Guard Lt. Col. Mark Crosby (center), and Maj. Dan Schilling (right), at MIST headquarters, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 10. Schilling, who is the director of the Oregon National Guard's State Partnership Program, and Crosby, who is the Chief of Public Safety and Security for the Portland International Airport, met with senior academic and administrative leadership at MIST as a follow up to an Oregon visit by school administrators, and officials from Bangladesh's transportation sector in April. Crosby will take over as director of Oregon's program in November, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

100810F-1639C-465.JPG
Col. Moin Uddin (center), who is Dean of Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), highlights one of the school's electrical testing units for Oregon Air National Guard Maj. Dan Schilling (left), and Lt. Col. Mark Crosby, in the electrical engineering lab at MIST, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 10. Schilling, who is the director of the Oregon National Guard's State Partnership Program, and Crosby, who is the Chief of Public Safety and Security for the Portland International Airport, met with senior academic and administrative leadership at MIST as a follow up to an Oregon visit by school administrators, and officials from Bangladesh's transportation sector in April. Crosby will take over as director of Oregon's program in November, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

100810F-1639C-500.JPG
Group Captain Nepal Chamdra (center), Senior Instructor for Aeronautical Engineering at the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), greets Oregon Air National Guard Maj. Dan Schilling (left), and Lt. Col. Mark Crosby (lower left), in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 10. Schilling, who is the director of the Oregon National Guard's State Partnership Program, and Crosby, who is the Chief of Public Safety and Security for the Portland International Airport, met with senior academic and administrative leadership at MIST as a follow up to an Oregon visit by school administrators, and officials from Bangladesh's transportation sector in April. Chamdra is one of two Aeronautical Engineering instructors from the Indian Army teaching at MIST. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

100810F-1639C-541.JPG
Oregon Air National Guard Maj. Dan Schilling (right center), and Lt. Col. Mark Crosby, tour one of the computer engineering classrooms at the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 10. Schilling, who is the director of the Oregon National Guard's State Partnership Program, and Crosby, who is the Chief of Public Safety and Security for the Portland International Airport, met with senior academic and administrative leadership at MIST as a follow up to an Oregon visit by school administrators, and officials from Bangladesh's transportation sector in April. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

NOTE: A National Guard Bureau Fact Sheet on the State Partnership Program can be found at: http://www.ng.mil/media/factsheets/SPP.pdf

Oregon Military Department's press release on the March Bangladesh visit can be viewed at: http://www.oregon.gov/OMD/PressRelease/2010/03-09-10Press.shtml


Attached Media Files: 2010-08/962/37399/100810F-1639C-541.JPG , 2010-08/962/37399/100810F-1639C-500.JPG , 2010-08/962/37399/100810F-1639C-465.JPG , 2010-08/962/37399/100810F-1639C-426.JPG