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Umatilla County honors Walla Walla River cleanup crews, commends 911 telecommunicator
Summary
Commissioners recognized volunteers, county crews and partner organizations for a Walla Walla River cleanup that removed about 7 tons of waste over six site visits and presented a commendation to telecommunicator Terry Payne for life‑saving 911 work.
The Umatilla County Board of Commissioners recognized a multi‑agency effort to clean up a homeless encampment along the Walla Walla River near Milton‑Freewater and presented certificates of appreciation to partner organizations and individuals.
Commissioner Dorn described the cleanup as a coordinated response involving the Umatilla County Sheriff's Office, Milton‑Freewater Police Department, the county code enforcement program and private partners. He thanked Frank Schmidt Company for providing large totes and equipment, singled out Tireso Corrado for operating heavy equipment during the effort and named Levi Papanel, community corrections work crew supervisor, for providing workforce support. "In total, crews made 6 visits to the site, successfully removing approximately 7 tons of waste from the former encampment area," the commissioner said.
Separately, the board read a commendation from acting Sergeant Terry Hutchinson honoring telecommunicator Terry Payne for handling a November 22, 2024 911 call involving a caller with a self‑inflicted abdominal stab wound. The commendation states Payne ‘‘maintained a calm and collected demeanor, quickly assessed the situation, gathered crucial information, provided life‑saving instructions and assisted timely dispatch,’’ actions credited with likely preserving the caller's life.
What happens next The board asked staff to continue collaborating with partner agencies on riverbank maintenance and outreach; certificates were distributed and photographs were taken (a planned video presentation was skipped because no video was provided).
