Police officers visited Holley Elementary School to join in the presentation of an award to Matt Dixon for helping save a Mt. Angel boy’s life recently.
“One person can make a difference,” Sweet Home Police Officer John Trahan said during a school assembly. “And Matt made a difference in an 11-year-old boy’s and his family’s life.”
Joining Officer Trahan were Andy Heider of Oregon State Police, Sgt. Doug Wright of Lebanon Police Department, volunteer firefighter and Linn County reserve Deputy Josh Marvin, Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District Battalion Chief Dave Barringer, Linn County Deputy Bruce Davis and Sweet Home Police Explorer Ty Reppy.
“On Oct. 14, the Oregon State Police issued an amber alert for an 11-year-old boy who was abducted from Mt. Angel,” Officer Trahan said. “The report gave a possible suspect and vehicle description. On Oct. 15, the amber alert was canceled because a very observant young man located the vehicle while hunting.
“I truly believe Matt saved a life by being observant and aware of is surroundings. We’re here because we appreciate that he was aware of his surroundings.”
The amber alert system started on Nov. 15, 2002 and was signed into law by President Bush in April 2003, Officer Trahan said.
An amber alert is a cooperative effort from law enforcement, Oregon Department of Transportation, the news media and general public.
It is issued when law enforcement officials confirm a child has been abducted and officials believe that a child is in danger of serious bodily injury or death.
Information, including descriptions of the child, abductor and vehicle are transmitted through participating news media.