Umatilla County recognizes Walla Walla River cleanup partners and commends 911 telecommunicator

Umatilla County commissioners used their final 2024 meeting to recognize local partners who helped remove a homeless encampment and debris from the Walla Walla River and to issue a commendation for a 911 telecommunicator.

A county representative told the board that the cleanup along the Walla Walla River near Milk Creek Water involved coordination between the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, Milton‑Freewater Police Department and the county code enforcement program. The county named Frank Schmidt Company as a corporate partner that provided large totes and equipment, and acknowledged a corrections work crew supervisor, Levi, for on‑site labor. The county said crews made six visits and removed approximately seven tons of waste from the former encampment area.

The board also read a written commendation dated Dec. 14, 2024, from Acting Sergeant Terry Hutchinson recognizing telecommunicator Payne. According to the commendation, Payne handled a Nov. 22, 2024 911 call involving a male who had self‑inflicted abdominal stab wounds; the commendation says Payne “provided clear and concise instructions,” gathered crucial information about the caller’s location and condition, dispatched law enforcement and guided the caller through life‑saving first‑aid steps while remaining calm and compassionate.

County staff said photographs documenting the removal were available though video material was not provided to the board during the meeting. Commissioners and invited partners posed for group and individual photos after the presentations.

No formal board action was required for the recognitions. The presentations concluded before the meeting moved to procurement and budget business.