City of North Bend release - NORTH BEND, Oregon — The North Bend Police Department has sworn in two new reserve officers—Dan Turk and Brandon Wright—expanding a volunteer program that police leaders say is essential to public safety in rural communities. Police Chief Cal Mitts administered the oath of office during a swearing-in ceremony this week, marking the official start of service for the department’s newest reserve officers. “Congratulations to our two newest Reserve Officers,” Chief Mitts said. “We’re proud to welcome Reserve Officer Dan Turk and Reserve Officer Brandon Wright, who were officially sworn in this morning. Becoming a Reserve Officer takes dedication, commitment, and a genuine desire to give back, and these two are stepping forward to support public safety and represent our department with professionalism and integrity.” Unlike full-time sworn staff, NBPD’s reserve officers are 100% volunteers. In communities such as North Bend—where staffing resources can be limited and call volumes can fluctuate—reserve programs provide trained, uniformed support that helps departments maintain visibility, responsiveness and community presence without adding full-time personnel costs. Chief Mitts said reserve officers help fill critical coverage gaps and allow full-time officers to focus on priority calls and proactive enforcement. “In rural communities, reserve officers are a key part of maintaining reliable service levels,” Chief Mitts said. “They support patrol operations, community events and special details, and they provide an important layer of flexibility when we need extra staffing.” Training and field experience: The reserve officers will begin training and field experience under the supervision of the department. NBPD said they will receive mentorship, develop practical skills and learn department procedures as they work alongside experienced officers. “As they begin their training and field experience, they’ll gain hands-on skills, mentorship and valuable insight into law enforcement,” Chief Mitts said. “They’ll be making a real difference in our community while building experience and leadership along the way.” Reserve officers typically assist with patrol support, traffic and safety details, special events, and other duties where additional personnel improve safety and efficiency. In many rural and coastal jurisdictions, reserve programs also strengthen regional readiness by expanding staffing capacity during storms, large events, searches, and other incidents that can strain a small department’s on-duty resources. Multiple paths of service: NBPD said some reserve officers eventually pursue full-time law enforcement careers, while others serve as long-term volunteers committed to supporting their community. “We value and support both paths,” Chief Mitts said. “What matters most is the commitment to service and the willingness to step up when the community needs help.” The department is continuing to recruit reserve officers and encourages those interested in public service to apply through the City of North Bend’s website. APPLY: https://www.northbendoregon.gov/21065/police