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Battle Ground proclaims Black History Month and SRO Appreciation Day; residents respond
Summary
Mayor presented a Black History Month proclamation to Paul Porter of the NAACP Vancouver chapter and proclaimed Feb. 15 as School Resource Officer Appreciation Day; several residents praised the proclamation during citizen comment and urged continued, intentional work on equity and local history.
The council issued two mayoral proclamations: February 2026 as Black History Month and Feb. 15, 2026, as National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day in Battle Ground.
Mayor read the Black History Month proclamation and presented it to Paul Porter of the NAACP Vancouver chapter, who accepted and said, "Black history is not a chapter we visit. It is a current we live inside," urging the city to back recognition with outcomes. Several public commenters later thanked the council for the proclamation and urged continued, intentional study and recognition of local Black history.
Mayor also presented a proclamation recognizing School Resource Officers (SROs); several officers from Battle Ground and Brush Prairie came forward. One officer described having previously been an educator and said the role "is just allowing me to show every day that relationships matter." Chief Dennis Flynn introduced new officer Kelly Tapadino, who said she was glad to return to her home community and thanked the department.
Residents’ public comments included personal reflections about regional Black history and local resources for learning; Ally Strapazon noted local and regional historical materials and encouraged the council and community to "be intentional, be consistent" in learning and inclusion.
No formal policy changes were adopted as part of the proclamations; the proclamations were presented as ceremonial recognition.
