A check for over $5,300 was presented on Aug. 29 to Kim Herron, wife of the late Buddy Herron, an Eastern Oregon Correction Institution officer and member of Local 3361 who was murdered last year in a well-documented story. The check was presented by Local 974, the AFSCME Security local at neighboring Two Rivers Correctional Institution in Umatilla, following a fundraising effort.

 

The money was raised by selling commemorative coins honoring Herron's life. The front side of the coin featured a Corrections logo with a black mourning banner; the flip side acknowledged Herron's involvement with the Helix Volunteer Fire Department.

 

"Local 974's Mike Seefeldt, with the help of many others, did the lion's share of the work," says Local 974 President Scott Campbell. "Mike's effort, and the support of the local union's executive board, made the financial contribution possible."

 

Seefeldt and Local 974 received coin orders from throughout Oregon and Washington. Campbell expressed particular appreciation to Local 3943, the Security local at Santiam Correctional Institution in Salem, which purchased a coin for each of their members. Additionally, Campbell noted Washington State Teamsters Local 117 donated $250 to support the family.

 

"Both Santiam and the Teamsters were sent plaques in recognition of their efforts as a thank you from Local 974," said Campbell. "Their support and understanding went above and beyond to take care of our own."

 

Local 974 has established a memorial fund in which future projects can be managed. Therefore, if the local union should provide support to another family, Campbell said they have the means to do so.

 

"Speaking for the executive board of AFSCME Local 974, I would like to personally thank every member who purchased a coin to make this donation a reality," he said.

 

Following is Seefeldt's recap of the experience.

 

By MICHAEL SEEFELDT

Local 974 (Two Rivers Correctional Institution)

 

I had the idea of a Memorial Challenge coin fundraiser following the senseless murder of Officer Buddy Ray Herron. The idea actually came from a similar fundraising effort I had supported for Jayme Biendl of Monroe Correctional Complex in Washington state. 

 

Eight long months later, and with the help of some special people, I finally was able to present Kim Herron with a check in the amount of $5,350 from the proceeds of the Buddy Herron memorial coin sales, as well as a plaque with five coins and an Oregon Corrections patch as well as a Helix Fire Department patch encased in memory and honor of Buddy.

 

AFSCME Local 974 provided the initial funding for this project. Led by Local 974 President Scott Campbell, the local forged ahead and supported this effort, showing great interest and helping where they could. Scott was a wonderful resource and provided much needed guidance and support.

 

Council 75 Communications Director Don Loving helped by promoting the coin on the Oregon AFSCME website. Soon, I received inquiries from around the state. Teamsters Local 117 of Monroe, Wash., provided guidance and a generous donation.

 

The Oregon Department of Corrections Transport Teams from Two Rivers and the Oregon State Penitentiary provided assistance with shipping the coins around the state.  Lieutenant Ron Schultz and Corey Fhuere were very helpful in assuring the coins reached their destinations.

 

Oneness Fish, Monique Doran, Kirt Hickey, Jay Larkin (Snohomish County, Wash.), Captain Jost, Anthony Asay, Darby Kyle, Debra Schlueter, Jeff Iles, Jessica Andersen, Sonny Rider, Julie Martin, Lisa Jaensch, Richard Adams, Paul Mulligan and Ronald Berry were all instrumental in this project, selling the coins in their respective facilities and offices. A special thanks goes out to Dave Shotts at EOCI for his efforts. And an extra special thanks also goes out to Santiam Correctional Institution's AFSCME Local 3943, who voted to purchase a coin for each of their members to support the Herron family. 

 

This was a challenging project, but I believe we were successful in helping the family of a fallen hero. My heartfelt thanks go out to all of you and I salute you.