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News Release

 

Contact:    Robin Maxey                                                                  May 6, 2009

                   (503) 986-1605   

                   robin.maxey@state.or.us                                                             

 

Oregon Senate Honors Officers Killed,

Injured In Woodburn Bank Bombing

(SALEM) -- The Oregon Senate Wednesday honored two law enforcement officers killed in a December bomb explosion at a Woodburn bank and the Woodburn Chief of Police who was critically injured in the blast.

 

Senate Concurrent Resolutions 12 and 14 honor the lives of Woodburn Police Captain Thomas Paul Tennant and Oregon State Police Senior Trooper William “Bill” Robert Hakim, who were both killed in the December 12, 2008, explosion.

 

“These men devoted their lives to protecting our families and keeping our communities safe,” said Senate President Peter Courtney (D-Salem/Gervais/Woodburn). “Today we honor their careers, their courage and their enduring sacrifice, but no resolution or fancy speeches can match the manner in which these men honored us with their service. We are forever in their debt.”

 

“We should never take for granted the safety that men like Captain Tennant, Trooper Hakim and Chief Russell provide for us all,” said Senator Margaret Carter (D-Portland). “It is my wish that each of us might be able to display just a fraction of the selfless devotion which these true Oregon heroes displayed.”

 

Senate Concurrent Resolution 13 honors Woodburn Police Chief Scott Douglas Russell, who was critically wounded in the explosion and continues to recover from his injuries.

 

“Chief Russell serves as a tremendous example of courage in the face of incredible odds,” Courtney said. “Throughout his life and career he has succeeded in every assignment and overcome every challenge. I have no doubt that this brave man will make a complete recovery and return to work as Woodburn’s Chief of Police.”

 

The three resolutions were approved by the Senate on identical 29-0 votes Wednesday and now move to the House of Representatives.