OREGON CITY, Ore.– Oregon City PD recently had a ceremony to recognize exemplary work done by members of its department.
AWARD: Distinguished Service Medal
RECIPIENTS: Detective Jon Neece and Behavioral Health Specialist Vale Muggia
March 2022, several Oregon City police officers were called to the Promenade above Highway 99E about a person threatening to take their own life. An adult male called 9-1-1 to report he was going to slash his wrists and was going to jump off the bluff. Detective Jon Neece, a member of the Clackamas County Interagency Crisis Negotiation Team, and OCPD’s Behavioral Health Specialist, Vale Muggia both responded to the scene and began talking with the troubled man. The pair relentlessly talked with him. They worked for over 3 hours to get him to drop the knife and come away from the cliff.
At certain times during the encounter the man used the knife to cut his throat. he was standing on tree roots growing out of the cliff that could easily have given way. Detective Neece and Health Specialist Muggia continued to engage with the man. They stood about 10 feet away from him playing recordings of family members encouraging him to drop the knife and come down to safety. after hours of tense negotitations he was transported to the hospital for treatment.
Detective Neece and Behavioral Health Specialist Muggia managed to keep their cool and utilize every tool in their arsenal to turn around what could have been a very tragic situation.
I am very grateful for the efforts of Detective Jon Neece and Vale Muggia in their efforts to keep this individual, who was clearly in crisis, safe. The situation sounded very challenging, and their life saving guidance prevented a catastrophic result. I think there are a lot of people struggling right now, and this heart warming, hopeful outcome gives me hope, which we really need right now. Well done, you two. Bless you both.