The Keizer Police Department introduced four new officers at a Keizer City Council meeting on Monday, Oct. 6. 

Chief Andrew Copeland recognized three police officers and a community service officer.

Danielle Breitbach was hired as the community services officer in August. Breitbach grew up in Silverton. She met her husband Ryan Breitbach while attending Silverton High School. She previously served as a 911 dispatcher and an instructional assistant at an elementary school. 

She told Copeland that Keizer’s welcoming, close-knit community prompted her application. She also saw the role as an opportunity to grow professionally in a department that values teamwork and connection.

Copeland awarded badges for Officer Erik Barker, Officer David Bevens, and Officer Josiah Gillette. 

Barker was raised in Keizer and attended McNary High School. His uncle, Kent Barker, was a former Keizer police chief. At 15, Barker led the McNary football team as quarterback through a 7-4 season and went on to play football in college.

“I coached at McNary when he was quarterback,” Copeland said, “I admired him back then…he just had great integrity. So I’m like, why not hire him?”

He will attend the academy in Salem starting this month and is expected to graduate in February. Barker’s wife, Chloe Barker, pinned on his badge.

Gillette is from Dallas and served in the United States Marine Corps. Outside of the military, he has been a wildland firefighter, excavation worker, and commercial fisherman. 

Gillette decided to apply to the department after positive experiences doing ride-alongs. He told Copeland that the kindness and professionalism from other officers prompted his application.

Gillette started the academy in Salem last month and is expected to graduate in January. His father, Bob Gillette, pinned on his badge.

Bevens also graduated from McNary High School and has been an officer in the Stayton Police Department for 12 years. He has also served as a drug recognition expert and instructor for the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training academy in Salem.

Bevens told Copeland that the people, the department’s reputation, and a desire to give back to Keizer prompted his transition from Stayton. His wife, Melanie Bevens, pinned on his badge.

Following Copeland’s introduction of the officers, the crowd welcomed the new officers with a standing ovation.

“If you don’t know, these three could be hired anywhere,” Copeland said. “They could go anywhere, to any agency, and get hired in a heartbeat. We’re honored that they applied with us.”

The department also hired Officer ​​Joshua Barnett and Officer Caleb Harrison, who will soon be recognized before at a council meeting. With the new batch of hires, the department has one vacancy to fill before it is fully staffed.

News tip? Contact reporter Riley Ellis: [email protected]

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