The Oregon Department of Emergency Management recently shared a somber message about the death of a key figure in the state’s emergency services. Cheryl Bledsoe, the Executive Director of Clackamas County 911, has passed away unexpectedly. The agency paid homage to her with a heartfelt memoriam, recognizing her vital role in reinforcing Oregon's emergency response systems.
"Cheryl was a dedicated leader, innovator, and advocate for Oregon’s 9-1-1 community," the department stated. Her loss resonates deeply within the various ranks she served, a testament to her legacy of steadfast commitment and public service. Among her accolades, Bledsoe was honored as the Oregon APCO/NENA Chapter Manager of the Year in 2020, and played a pivotal role in numerous statewide workgroups tasked with enhancing the operational and technological policy for Oregon’s 9-1-1 systems.
Throughout her career, Bledsoe’s passion and energy for the advancement of emergency communications were evident. She diligently served as the Chair of the State 9-1-1 Advisory Committee for multiple years and held the position of Secretary for the Oregon APCO/NENA Chapter from 2015 to 2016. Her visionary approach to public safety was recognized on several occasions, including receiving the accolade of a Top Government Leader in Social Media by Government Social Media in 2015.
Her impact wasn't confined to local acknowledgments, with Bledsoe having been recognized on the national stage as well. The Harvard Kennedy School lauded her work as an Agency Semi-Finalist for Innovation in Government in 2003. Other awards underscoring her wide-reaching influence include the Washington State University Woman of Distinction Award in 2012 and being named a Vancouver Business Journal “Accomplished and Under 40” Award recipient in 2010. Subsequently, in 2008, the George G. Marshall Public Leadership Award by the Fort Vancouver Historic Trust also found its way onto her impressive list of accolades.
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management said in their tribute, "Cheryl’s light endures in the lives she touched, the communities she strengthened, and the countless acts of service she inspired." The grief of this loss extends to Cheryl's immediate family, her colleagues, and the Clackamas 911 - CCOM team, who have all been profoundly impacted by her passing. The community continues to reflect on her enduring legacy and her remarkable efforts to bolster public safety that have left an indelible mark on Oregon's emergency communications landscape.
