Page 18
The INDEPENDENT, October 21, 2010
From the Sheriff’s Desk…
by Jeff Dickerson,
Columbia County Sheriff
Three Pillars to Uphold
the Law Enforcement
Profession
Everyone knows that one
of the main purposes of law
enforcement is to conserve
the peace. The mission for
every sheriff elected in Ore-
gon counties is to be the chief
conservator of the peace for
his or her county. The 36 Oregon sheriffs are united in
this vision and work collaboratively with one another to
accomplish the mission across our diverse state.
I am very fortunate to have office holders in neigh-
boring counties who have stepped up time and time
again to assist and encourage me in my duties as
sheriff. Washington County Sheriff Rob Gordon and
Clatsop County Sheriff Tom Bergin are the two sheriffs
responsible for jurisdictions to the south and west of
the Nehalem River Valley area and who have been
most helpful to my office for their willingness to support
our efforts wherever feasible.
What all three of us hold in common is a view of the
office of sheriff that goes beyond just enforcing laws
and preserving the peace. I believe I can say without
exception that each of us views our role as sheriff as a
mandate to uphold the honor and nobility of our mis-
sion, and of our profession.
For me, this means that before we even can consid-
er enforcing the law or exercising our authority, we
must be committed to three bedrock principles – three
absolute convictions that any and every enforcement
officer must hold dear: 1. Uphold and defend the Con-
stitutions of our state and nation; 2. Uphold the law;
and 3. Ensure justice.
First, and foremost, we must uphold our constitu-
tional freedoms. In truth, the only reason to give gov-
Please see page 19
Tony Johnson Construction
DALE WOODWORKING
N
I
A
.CO
NT
U
O
SPECIALIZING IN REMODEL & REPAIR
M
M
Service Directory
C ABINET D ESIGN & M ANUFACTURING S INCE 1976
J OEL T EMPLIN
CCB #43965
503-429-5504
503-429-5436
V ERNONIA , O R 97064
FALL CREEK
WOODWORKING
WOOD FLOORS
INSTALLED &
REFINISHED
503-429-4351
Cory Colburn
11561 Keasey Road, Vernonia, OR 97064 • CCB #79876
St. Helens-Scappoose
Septic Tank Pumping
& Drain Cleaning
Office 503-397-3172
Cell 503-396-1408 or 503-396-1409
P.O. Box 203 • St. Helens, OR 97051
•
•
•
•
•
•
Excavating
Septic Systems
Site Prep
Underground Utilities
Driveways & Roads
Trenching
PO. Box 65 Vernonia CCB 166815 DEQ 38649
UTILITY SHEDS
GARAGES
CAR PORTS
ADDITIONS
DRYROT
DRYWALL
VINYL
“Have Tools Will Travel”
WINDOWS & DOORS
POLE BUILDINGS
ROOFING
FENCING
SIDING
DECKS
TILE
CCB #85280
Office (503) 429-7009 • Cell (503) 989-9109
P OPPINO
P AINTING
FREE ESTIMATES
Licensed • Bonded • Insured • CCB No. 90548
503-429-7101
New Construction
and Remodeling
Additions, Kitchens,
Bathrooms, Ceramic Tile,
Finish Carpentry & More!
Jim Morrison Jr.
General Contractor
(503) 429-0154
Licensed • Bonded • Insured
CCB# 112057
DA NELSON LLC
T’N’T
TOPPING
FREE ESTIMATES
503-429-8930
Reliable Commercial and Residential Service
BI G HO R N
L OG G I NG
CORPORATION
SINCE 1981
CONTRACT LOGGING IN
OREGON & WASHINGTON
Emergency Generator Transfer Switches
Now New Technology allows for easy
“Plug-in” for most home applications
Under $1,000
WE BUY TIMBER • 503-324-2422
Licensed & Bonded • CCB No. 19808
VERNONIA, OREGON
Dennis & Schann Nelson • P.O. Box 310 • Vernonia, OR 97064
T REE S ERVICES
Marvin Nelsen
Over 20 Years Experience
503-429-4963
503-369-3200