By Dixon Bledsoe
Brent Earhart has many fans. So many, in fact, 12 signed his nomination to be Mt. Angel’s First Citizen. And that was just one nomination.
To Earhart, being nominated is very special. “It feels great and I am truly humbled. I have received awards and medals before, but this is even better because it comes from the people I’ve worked for. It makes me feel outstanding that they recognize the job we do for the city.”
Tom Bauman, former Mt. Angel mayor, said “Brent is a professional through and through, whether he is working with the youth of our community or adults. We are lucky to have him.”
The gregarious chief of police was a shoo-in. John Gooley, president of Oktoberfest said, “I hate to think of the day when we have to work with another person because Brent is the best chief of police for Mt. Angel we ever had.”
Under Earhart’s leadership, the Mt. Angel police team worked 135 hours assisting the Woodburn Police Department and other jurisdictions when a bomb exploded at a Woodburn bank, killing two officers and seriously injuring a third. His team also provided back-up services to the Silverton Police Department during an officer-involved shooting in 2008. Earhart filled in as interim city administrator from June 2007-January 2008.
The former Westminster, Colo. law enforcement professional said he loves Mt. Angel. Earhart and his wife of 18 years, Sheila, moved to town in 2002. They have three adult children and a grandson.
In one nomination, an appreciative fan club stated, “His officers have been commended for their assistance in times of regional danger and tragedy. Their professionalism and selflessness is a reflection of their chief.”
Earhart is a member of the Attorney General’s Underage Drinking Task Force, an Oregon Association Chiefs of Police mentor, he serves on the board of directors of North Marion County dispatch center, is a Mt. Angel Middle School mentor, serves as vice president of the Lions Club and is a member of the Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce. For the latter, he served as chairman of two important events in 2008 – No Meth – Not in My Neighborhood, and the National Night Out, a community event that attracted more than 200 people in support of the Neighborhood Watch program and police-community partnerships.
On top of that, his employees at the police station report “Brent is not only an administrator but will frequently cover a patrol shift for an officer out ill or on vacation. He is super to work for.”
