Blaine police chief recognizes three officers

Blaine police chief Rodger Funk recognized three officers for exemplary work during the Blaine City Council meeting on June 24.

Funk started the honors by recognizing sergeant Skylar Deffinbaugh and officer Keith Olson for saving the life of an individual in early June. Olson was conducting patrols when he noticed an individual behaving out of the ordinary from past observations, Funk said. When Olson learned the person was suffering from a medical event, he and Deffinbaugh provided basic first aid until medics could transport the person to the hospital.

“If sergeant Deffinbaugh and officer Olson had not taken the actions they did, I fear the outcome for the well-being or the life of this individual would have been much worse,” Funk said.

Funk then recognized officer Jeremiah Leland for his investigation into sex crimes that were reported in Blaine. Leland started the investigation in March, and as it became more complex with technology and language barriers, he coordinated efforts with outside law enforcement agencies. Leland was granted a search warrant that led to three arrests.

“Although the investigation was a team effort, officer Leland was the lead investigator who performed the bulk of the work,” Funk said. “His efforts were greatly responsible for shutting down an ongoing criminal enterprise.”