Douglas County Everyday Hereos

Award Winners' Stories

Professionals Hero Award – Going Above & Beyond the Call:

            Sutherlin Police Officer Troy Mills & State Trooper Aaron Baimbridge

“Presented to a professional, or volunteer trained in professional rescue, whose life-saving actions went above and beyond the call of duty.”

Last March, these two officers responded to a call to discover the residence and surrounding landscape was on fire. The dispatch also advised that the man reporting the event may be near unconsciousness inside the building. 

Officer Mills & Trooper Baimbridge saw the house was filled with smoke and could hear a man yelling for help from the inside. Visibility was extremely poor and could barely see. The two entered the house on their hands and knees trying to stay below the smoke to locate the man calling for help. They eventually found him inside and helped him out.

The fire in the residence was growing rapidly and smoke continued to get thicker creating a great risk of them being overcome by smoke themselves. After leading the first man out, he informed them another person may be inside. By now the front door was impossible to re-enter and by the time they reached the back door, the windows exploded.

These officers were nominated by Sutherlin Police Chief Tom Boggs so that their bravery would be recognized. As he wrote it “If they had waited for the Fire Department to enter and extinguish the fire, I strongly feel there would have been two fatalities that day…They did what they are sworn to do, Protect & Serve.”

Adult Rescue Award:  Chris Shoopman

“Presented for life-saving skills that saved the lives of others.”

Chris saved his 73 year-old mother-in-law from drowning in the North Umpqua River last August when she fell out of the back of her new raft. Donna Bryan of Myrtle Creek floated into deep, swift moving water during a family outing and accidentally tipped out of the back of her raft. Chris was floating in a separate raft nearby when he realized Donna was in trouble. He paddled to her, tried pulling her out of the water, and started rescue breathing immediately while floating her to shore. Donna was in the water for nearly 12 minutes before Chris was able to start rescue breaths. A nurse from Albany, Susie Rowe, was on the shore ready to help start CPR when Chris managed to get Donna to dry land. Donna was in a coma for a couple of days, but did recover – in large part due to Chris’ quick actions. The News Review reported that Chris was eager to let everyone know his mother-in-law was doing well. He said she “needed to get out of the hospital so she can go for a ride on my motorcycle” he said with a laugh.

Adult Compassionate Service Award:  Jackie Barnett

“Presented for compassionate response or community service that made an outstanding difference in, or saved the lives of, others.”

Jackie is nominated for her many years of work as a member of the Douglas County Cancer Services Committee and chairperson of the Breast Cancer Committee that puts on the Tea and Fashion Show each year at Seven Feathers. The Tea & Fashion show features breast cancer survivors as models. All of the money raised goes to the Marge Miller Fund and stays in Douglas County. Last year, the Tea raised over $6,000 to help local low-income women fighting the disease. Jackie also delivers food baskets to those in need; goes above and beyond in her work at the Veterans Roseburg Healthcare System; and tirelessly volunteers to help people in their fight against cancer.  She’s a gem!

Animal Hero – Deputy Lee Bartholomew

“Presented for outstanding actions that saved the life of an animal or animals.”

Douglas County Sheriff Deputy Lee Bartholomew is nominated for his many years of saving animals and educating the public on responsible pet ownership. Deputy Bartholomew has a love for animals and he serves the citizens of Douglas County, as well as the State of Oregon, very well.  He is very active in the Oregon Animal Control Council having served in various positions on their Board of Directors.  He is a frequent speaker at various schools throughout Douglas County, teaching and interacting with the students on the proper care of their pets, of all types, as well as in pet safety. 

Deputy Bartholomew participates in the activities of the Umpqua Valley Chapter of the Humane Society as well as the local SPCA and actively supports those groups.  He also works closely with Deputy District Attorney Julie Zuver at the Douglas County District Attorney’s office who is generally assigned to prosecute animal law offenses.  His investigations of those who violate the law with regard to animals often lead to successful prosecutions.  On occasion, there are situations, where in the interest of justice, prosecution is diverted and Lee will work with Deputy DA Zuver in helping develop solutions that warrant a second chance agreement with the offender.

In the recent past Deputy Bartholomew worked with the Saving Grace Animal Shelter in securing a dog, at no cost, for a disabled person on a fixed income, in need of a companion animal. Deputy Bartholomew is one of many “Everyday Heroes” whose work often goes unnoticed by the citizens he serves.  Thank you for your work Deputy Bartholomew!

Youth Hero – Emily Standish

“Presented for outstanding compassion and/or life-saving actions by a youth that made an outstanding difference in, or saved the lives of, others.”

Ms. Emily Standish is nominated for her community involvement with many organizations as well as her positive attitude toward helping others. Emily demonstrates outstanding compassion for others and her leadership inspires others to rise beyond their own expectations to achieve great things.

She is an inspiration to others because of her willingness to help and contribute. Emily has donated her time to the “little kids basketball camp;” helped out at the elementary school reading to 5th and 6th graders; assisted in PE classes during her free period; helped organize and run the school’s blood drive; and has assisted Glide High School’s Booster club with fundraising events. Emily has been in the school leadership program for all 4 years of high school, helping plan school assemblies, school dances, school events. She recently received an Award of Merit for her leadership.

Community Partner Hero – Sherm & Donna Olsrud / Sherm’s Thunderbird Market

“Presented for outstanding community partnership that has made a lasting difference in our community.”

Sherm and Wanda Olsrud are well-known for putting their ‘neighbor helping neighbor’ values into action and making literally hundreds of positive contributions to communities throughout southern Oregon. For more than 40 years, the Olsrud’s Grocery business has helped sustain many local charities including area Food Banks, children and youth programs (including 4-H, FFA, and Kids Unlimited) and dozens of local sports programs. They have received many awards including First Citizens of the Year by the Medford Chamber, Retailer of the Year, Honorary Lifetime Trustee by Southern Oregon University Foundation, and the 2008 Hunger Buster Award by The Oregon Food Bank for outstanding corporate support of statewide food banking efforts.