Two Lebanon police officers were each awarded a Medal of Valor during the City Council’s regular meeting on Wednesday, May 13.
Officers Wesley Parker and Wyatt Belknap were honored for their actions that ultimately saved a man’s life.
According to Police Chief Frank Stevenson, Parker was patrolling near an apartment complex on S 7th Street on March 29 when he saw a man leaning against the building. He instinctively felt something was off, so he turned around to check it out.
When he approached the location, the man was gone, but a window was broken. Looking around the building, Parker found a car door open with the man leaning inside. The man had a “substantial” amount of blood running down his arm, enough to cover his clothing and pool on the ground.
Parker learned the man had locked himself out of his apartment and cut his arm while breaking into his apartment window.
After calling for medics, Parker “recognized the bright red oxygenated blood as an arterial bleed, and quickly took appropriate action by applying a tourniquet,” Stevenson said.
Soon after, Belknap arrived and applied a second tourniquet, which completely stopped the bleeding.
“Throughout the incident, both officers demonstrated proactive instincts, a calm demeanor, decisive action and unwavering commitment to preserving life,” Stevenson said. “Their quick response and immediate medical intervention were critical and directly contributed to the saving of the man’s life.”
Planning for Lebanon’s 150th
Paul Aziz and Gary Marks, members of the Lebanon Museum Foundation, presented the council with plans to celebrate Lebanon’s 150th anniversary in October 2028 with a community-wide celebration to be observed as Founders Day.
Marks gave a brief overview of the city’s roots, which were born out of Jeremiah Ralston when he arrived in the area in 1847 after crossing the country on the Oregon Trail. He named the area Lebanon and, after population growth, the city became officially incorporated in October of 1878.
“Throughout 2028, we will be coordinating special events and activities to celebrate Lebanon’s sesquicentennial and bring our community together in recognition of 150 years of history, progress and community spirit,” Marks said.
The Lebanon Museum Foundation will form a dedicated committee to act as the central hub for the city’s celebration, and they asked the City Council if the city would reach a consensus allowing the foundation to act as the primary coordinator for organization of what they are calling “Project 150 Celebration.”
Aziz, former mayor, and Marks, former city manager, both understand the limited resources the city has to be able to conduct an anniversary celebration, Aziz said, which is why the foundation wanted to take on the weight of it.
“Community involvement and participation will be essential in making this historic celebration a success,” Marks said.
Marks, an artist, shared his digital painting of the former Albany & Lebanon Railroad train approaching Lebanon’s historic train station, symbolizing the coming of the 150th celebration. He also designed the logo for the anniversary.
In other business:
- The council held a work session prior to the regular meeting to discuss messaging strategies concerning a proposed jail levy.
- Residents asked for help regarding concerns they have in their neighborhood regarding traffic and children.
- Library Director Kendra Antila presented a public notice of intent to apply for a Community Development Block Grant for the purpose of expanding the library’s children area.
- The council approved an amendment to city code regarding candidate filing periods. City Recorder Julie Fisher explained a new state law requires incumbents must file seven days prior to non-incumbents.
- The council approved a resolution accepting lottery revenue by the state. City Manager Ron Whitlatch explained the state awarded Lebanon $2 million from the Oregon Lottery Revenue Bonds for the wastewater treatment plant biosolids project.
- The council approved a three-year contract renewal for City Attorney Tré Kennedy.