On Monday November 2, 2020, the Lake Oswego Police Department welcomed four new officers, all laterals who have worked for other agencies in Oregon.

Officer Ben Schneider was an officer at LOPD from 2011-2015 before going to OHSU PD where he held the rank of sergeant.  He has said that he is happy that he is returning to Lake Oswego.  When he is not working he is with his family, coaching youth sports or supporting his two children while they are playing.

Officer Ryan Leslie has been an officer at OHSU PD for 2.5 years. He was raised on the East Coast however he and his wife love all the outdoor activities available to them in Oregon.

Officer Grant Thommen came from Hubbard PD where he was an officer for the last 1.5 years.  He was raised in the Salem area where he joined the Marion County Sheriffs Office Cadet program.  Grant told us he has always wanted to be a police officer.

Officer Chris Moreland previously worked for Albany PD for nine months.  He graduated from Newberg High School then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he was trained to be a Military Police Officer.  He and his wife are expecting a child in the next few weeks.

With COVID-19 restrictions, the department was unable to hold the traditional Swearing-In Ceremony with their families, friends and new co-workers.  Instead there was a short informal ceremony to allow the new officers to swear to the Oath of Office with Chief Jorgensen.

Lake Oswego is fortunate to have successfully recruited these four experienced officers as they have all previously attended the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training 16-week Basic Police Course.  They will spend the next several weeks in orientation with the training division, then will begin training with individual Field Training Officers on the road until they are ready to work solo.  All four expressed that they look forward to serving the community of Lake Oswego.