City of North Bend release - NORTH BEND, Ore. — The North Bend Police Department has sworn in Officer Lovell, marking the department’s first hire of a woman police officer since 1995, Police Chief Cal Mitts said.  “Officer Lovell is joining our team with a strong foundation in public safety, communication and teamwork,” Mitts said. “Her prior experience as a dispatcher gave her an important perspective on how to support people in crisis and work effectively as part of a public safety team.”  Officer Lovell began her public safety career as a dispatcher for an agency in the Willamette Valley region near the Cascade foothills, according to Mitts. She has started initial training with the North Bend Police Department and will attend the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem, which operates under the state Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.  After the academy, Lovell is expected to complete additional field training in North Bend before moving into solo patrol duties, Mitts said.  “This is a meaningful milestone for our department and for the community,” Mitts said. “Officer Lovell is the first woman officer to join North Bend Police since 1995. We recognize that progress can take too long, and we’re committed to continuing to build a department that reflects the community we serve and supports every member of our team.”  Mitts said the department views the moment as part of strengthening public service and maintaining high professional standards.  “A strong department is one where different experiences and perspectives are welcomed, training is rigorous, and every officer is held to the same high standards,” Mitts said. “Officer Lovell has earned her place here, and we’re proud to welcome her to the North Bend Police Department.”