City Police Commended for Service

The City recognized the outstanding service of four Police employees at a recent City Council meeting. The Forest Grove Police Department presented Letters of Commendation to Officer Ernesto Villaraldo, Officer Scott Griffith, and Detective Matthew Smith and presented the Police Service Achievement Medal to Sergeant Dean Foster.

Officer Ernesto Villaraldo was recognized for his actions while serving as a Patrol Officer with the Forest Grove Police Department on August 29, 2010. While on patrol, Officer Villaraldo located a suspicious vehicle parked behind several other vehicles and not readily visible from the roadway in the 3700 Block of Pacific Avenue. While checking the vehicle, Officer Villaraldo contacted the lone occupant and quickly recognized the occupant was having a medical problem. He then summoned emergency medical service personnel. Without Officer Villaraldo’s keen skills of observation, inquisitiveness, and dedication to duty, the occupant would not have been located quickly and would have most likely suffered serious medical consequences. The occupant commented she probably would have died without Officer Villaraldo’s timely actions.

Officer Scott Griffith was recognized for his actions while serving as a Patrol Officer with the Forest Grove Police Department on July 17, 2010. While on patrol, Officer Griffith was dispatched to a medical call involving a three-month old baby found in his crib not breathing. Upon his arrival, Officer Griffith provided critical support to an officer already performing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the baby. Despite the tragedy and immense emotions associated with the situation and family present at the scene, Officer Griffith maintained a calm and professional demeanor throughout the encounter. Officer Griffith’s actions reflect great credit on himself.

Detective Matthew Smith was recognized for his actions while serving as a Detective with the Forest Grove Police Department from December 2009 through March 2010. During this time frame, a string of gang-related violence erupted in Forest Grove and Cornelius, including numerous shootings, assaults, and robberies. Detective Smith immediately recognized the criticality of collaborating with investigators from the Cornelius Police Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office. As part of the investigative strategy, Detective Smith conducted a highly professional and detailed briefing, involving agency administrators and investigators from a number of Washington County and Federal law enforcement agencies. Throughout these investigations, Detective Smith conducted countless interviews, surveillance, and authored search warrant affidavits. As a result of Detective Smith’s efforts and leadership, numerous individuals were held accountable for their lawless actions, ultimately improving the safety of our communities.

Sergeant Dean Foster was recognized for his service as Detective Sergeant from July 2001 to December 2009. Sergeant Foster was the primary investigator of numerous complex and lengthy investigations, requiring significant coordination and planning, including a 2004 Homicide, a 2005 Homicide, a 2007 Arson, and a 2009 Double-Homicide. During the same time, he maintained expert proficiency as a Use of Force Instructor and served with the Washington County Tactical Negotiations Team. Sergeant Foster also served as a key member of the Washington County Major Crimes Team, assisting with major investigations for the Hillsboro Police Department (2002), Beaverton Police Department (2005), Tualatin Police Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office (2006), and Tigard Police Department (2007). Sergeant Foster promoted the department’s interests regionally and facilitated other key regional relationships.

Police Chief Kerry Aleshire stated, “The Forest Grove Police Department takes pride in presenting these Letters of Commendation and Achievement Medal. These employees’ efforts are recognized and appreciated and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the law enforcement profession.”