City of North Bend release - The North Bend City Council on Tuesday honored Reserve Police Officer Terry Lathrom for 26 years of volunteer service with the North Bend Police Department. Police Chief Cal Mitts praised Lathrom’s decades-long commitment, calling his service "nothing short of extraordinary." “It’s tough enough to be a police officer, but at least there’s a paycheck and benefits that go with that,” Mitts said. “As a reserve officer, you don’t get to enjoy those benefits. Yet Terry has put in nearly 27 years of dedicated service to this city, and I couldn’t think of anyone else who has given that much time as a reserve in this department.” Mitts noted that reserve officers undergo the same rigorous training and certifications as full-time officers. They wear the same uniform, carry the same equipment and often respond to emergencies on short notice, sometimes in the middle of the night. “The sacrifices made by Terry and his family over these many years are truly commendable,” Mitts said. In recognition of his service, Lathrom was presented with a commemorative shadow box from the department, traditionally given to officers who reach retirement milestones. Reflecting on his career, Lathrom recounted how his law enforcement journey began later in life. “It’s been a long road,” Lathrom said. “I started out in Coos Bay, putting police files on microfilm with my wife. My son asked me, ‘What are you doing over in Coos Bay? You need to come back to North Bend.’ I told him I was a little old to start as a reserve, but he said, ‘You’re only 44—you can do it.’” Lathrom joined the North Bend Police Department in 1998. After two years as a reserve, he decided to pursue full driving status, taking time off from work to complete the necessary training. “I’ve been driving for almost 25 years now,” Lathrom said. “I’ve worked with a lot of great people, many who started as reserves themselves. We even have reserve officers from this department who now serve in Colorado Springs, Alaska, Florida—all over the United States.” Lathrom expressed pride in his long service and the lasting impact of North Bend’s reserve officer program. “I’m just proud that I did what I could do,” he said, receiving a round of applause from those in attendance. The North Bend Police Department continues to maintain a strong reserve program, which has long served as a vital resource for both the department and the community.