Keizer Police introduce new community service officer and badge three new officers at council meeting

Keizer — The Keizer Police Department on Oct. 6 introduced Danielle (Danny) Breitbach as the department’s new community service officer and held a ceremonial badge pinning for three recently hired officers.

Community service officer: Chief Copeland said the community-service position is non-sworn and focuses on low-priority calls such as graffiti, homeless-encampment contacts and parking complaints, and will also support community outreach and graphic-design needs. Danielle Breitbach, who previously worked as a 9-1-1 dispatcher and grew up in Silverton, said she chose Keizer because of the community and the department’s teamwork culture.

Badge pinning: The councilroom hosted a ceremonial badge pinning for three officers introduced by the chief. Chief Copeland described backgrounds for the officers, noting local ties, prior service and specialized training. He introduced Officer Eric Barker (McNary High alumnus, business-degree holder), Officer Gillette (background that includes wildland firefighting and U.S. Marines service) and Officer Dave Bevans. Family members joined the ceremony for photos.

Why it matters: The community-service officer role aims to free sworn officers for higher-priority calls while providing visible, problem-focused support for neighborhood concerns. The new officers increase patrol capacity and specialized skills in traffic and field training noted by the chief.

Ending: Chief Copeland thanked the families and the community and encouraged residents to welcome the new staff.