Investigators remain very interested in any information the public can provide. Anyone who may have
knowledge about these crimes should call the new tip line at 1-888-780-5678. The offer of a $35,000 reward
for information leading to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for this crime remains open.
Those of you wishing to send a card or flowers to Chief Scott Russell or to the Family of Capt. Tom Tennant, may direct them to
Woodburn Police Department, 1060 Mt. Hood Ave., Woodburn, OR 97071-9059. Condolences may also be directed by e-mail to
nita.marr@ci.woodburn.or.us. For more information, please
call 503-982-2345.
[December 15, 2008], the City of Woodburn issued a public statement regarding the tragic events of December 12. At that point,
there was a great deal that we did not know. What we did know was that everything possible was being done to keep our community
secure while a horrific crime was being investigated and its perpetrators discovered.
Today, we know a good deal more. Two individuals have been arrested. These parties have been indicted, and the investigation
continues. When it is complete, Marion County District Attorney Walt Beglau and Marion County Sheriff Russ Isham will formally
brief the City Council about the investigation. In the meantime, they will continue their collaboration with the FBI and the
BATF in investigating the incident and identifying any other parties who might be responsible.
Captain Charlie Blevins was appointed Acting Chief of Police on the night of the incident. In coming days, we will be making
additional changes in the supervisory and managerial ranks of the Woodburn Police Department so that Acting Chief Blevins
receives the support he needs during these challenging days.
As Mayor, I am overjoyed and blessed to be able to report to you that I had a five minute conversation with Chief Scott
Russell a week ago Saturday, and that City Administrator Scott Derickson and I shared a much longer conversation with the
Chief the day before Christmas. At our first conversation, I told the Chief how grateful I am for his efforts, abilities,
and friendship. When I added how happy I was that he was there to hear my sentiments in person, his reply was “Me too.”
I think that response told me that the Chief was going to come through this. Our more recent conversation has confirmed it.
Scott Russell has an incredible attitude, and his mind and spirit are as they have always been. His body still needs to
recover, but it is a blessing to know, now, that recovery will eventually take place.
5:30 p.m. on December 12, 2008, was the darkest hour in the City of Woodburn’s history. Some of the finest hours began
almost immediately. Police officers on the scene acted heroically. Acting Chief Blevins and the entire staff of the
Woodburn Police Department took extraordinary action as that awful evening ended and the week went on. Our management
staff quickly moved to mobilize support for the police response from both inside our organization and from our neighbors.
Public Works Director Dan Brown and his department’s staff deserve particular recognition for the support they provided
with both the immediate aftermath of the explosion and with the planning and execution of Captain Tom Tennant’s memorial
procession and service – while dealing with the onset of some of the worst winter weather to arrive in years. The entire
City of Woodburn staff deserves appreciation for everything they have done during this emotionally trying time. They are
all deserving of your thanks.
The citizens of Woodburn have also been extraordinary in their support of the individuals and families impacted by this
incident. Whether you attended an outdoor vigil or a memorial, signed the memory books, or took the time to offer support
to a Woodburn police officer or elected official, your kind words and your actions have been received gratefully. The
Russell family has asked me to thank you for the thoughts, prayers and kindnesses they have received from you in recent
days, and I know that the same sentiment comes from the Tennant family as well. You have reminded us yet again that we
are a community where kindness, generosity and decency are not extraordinary, they are the norm.
Some have asked what else can be done as we continue to process these events in our hearts and minds. I will suggest several.
We can vow to remember Tom Tennant and Bill Hakim for more than the final moment of their lives. Both lived 51 years as
husbands, fathers, friends, and dedicated professionals. Their lives were too short, but they were full, valuable, and
admirable. We can offer every possible support to Mary Tennant and Terri Hakim and their families as they deal with the
tragic loss of two fine men.
We can support Chief Russell and his family during his recovery. You will notice that I am wearing one of the Chamber of
Commerce’s blue memorial ribbons. I have taken some liberties with my blue ribbon by adding the letters H.A.I.L., as in
Hail to OUR Chief. Those letters stand for Hope, Attitude, Inspiration, and Love. They are the qualities that will bring
our chief back home to Woodburn, and back to an active and productive life. They will also lead the rest of us through
these troubling times to a stronger and better Woodburn.
We can refuse to submit to hate and anger over this crime or the criminals responsible. They will receive justice, and they
are otherwise undeserving of our attention. Our community and the human community have risen to this awful occurrence with
courage, faith and hope. While the worst of human nature is repulsive, we have seen the impact of the best of human nature
in our community. When we are at our best, we are capable of some amazing things.
Finally, although it is hard, we can finish our celebrating our holiday season and look forward to the New Year. My own
household bought a small live pine tree and decorated it for Christmas, to pay tribute to Tom Tennant’s great love for
Christmas. Whether this season we celebrate the light of a star, the light of a candle, or the light in our loved ones’
eyes, let us also celebrate the light of compassion, generosity and gratitude that has filled our community in recent days.
On the night of the tragedy and ever since, an image and some words associated with this season came into my mind and have
remained there. An angel came to shepherds in the fields and said “Be not afraid, for behold, I bring you tidings of great
joy.” Joy has come to our world in the past, and will come to Woodburn again in the future. In the meantime, be not afraid.
A blessed holiday season and a better 2009 to all of you.
Kathy Figley
Mayor, City of Woodburn