A Holiday Moment

November 22, 2013

A Holiday moment occurred yesterday at our office. Victims' Assistance Program Director, Diane Stecher, shared a moving story that I want to share with you.  An elderly woman, a victim of theft, was at Grand Jury to testify.  She had all of her money, including her Christmas money stolen while she was shopping.  Bend PD officers took the report, identified the criminals and arrested them; a job well done. The victim and her husband are on a fixed income and saved all year so they could buy gifts for their children, grandchildren and for a donation to their community kitchen.  The victim described to Diane how violated she felt by the crime, not only her money being stolen but also her personal identity.   At Grand Jury, a representative of the Bend Police Officers' Association arrived and gave the victim a check to cover the loss of her Christmas money.  The victim and my staff were deeply touched by this gesture.  Special thanks to the officers who made this happen and the Bend Police Department Association.  Our community is lucky to have professional and caring law enforcement.