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Portland, OR |
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The Portland Guardian Angels
The Portland Chapter of the Guardian Angels originally began in 1983. By the time the third group of trainees graduated, the chapter had over 100 Angels. Patrols were so prevalent that at least one could be seen every night of the week, and on weekend nights there were often two or three patrols on the streets at the same time. Over time, and as is normal, participation dropped off due to school, family, career and other reasons. The chapter finally closed its doors in 1995. There was a ten year gap, with no Angels patrolling the streets of Portland.
Then, in the Fall of 2004, Michael McDaniel, the current Chapter Leader, began the process of putting patrols back on the streets again. After noticing a seeming lack of community participation in its own safety, McDaniel contacted the organization, originally just wanting to patrol again. There was no chapter at that time. The Angels asked for his help to reestablish the group and beginning on February 4th, 2005, the Angels were once again doing patrols. The first patrol consisted only of McDaniel, his long time friend Marc Wolters II and Ed Parks, the Chapter Leader for the Reno Chapter--who was in town to help out. By June of that year, and in time for the Rose Festival, the chapter had several more members, including former Angels form prior incarnations of the chapter: Lisa Campos (original member in ’83 and Chapter Leader from 1985 to 1993), and Tom Hall (Chapter Leader from 1993 to 1995). Also coming out of retirement were Robert Mattice, and Rena Wilson (also members of the original 1983 chapter). With new members joining since, the group has been actively patrolling the streets and transit since.
But, the chapter is still small. Gone are the days of 100 plus members, patrolling every night of the week. We need your help. Please consider joining. If you want to be a role model for community involvement and help keep our community safe, if you want to be a part of the solution, please contact us. No one should ever have to be afraid when they are downtown, or on Max. No one has the right to threaten, hurt or take from anyone else. If you have ever been afraid, a victim or are tired of not feeling safe, help us help the community. Get involved. It’s a great feeling. You will help others and help yourself build a community where violent crime is not tolerated. It is a slow process and it can only happen if people get involved. You can patrol, help with recruiting, PR, donations, or in any other way you feel able. But we do need you. Please contact us!
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