Homepage / Portland News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters
Related To Story

Officers: Memorial Used As Porta-Potty Pit Stop At Obama Rally

POSTED: 7:12 am PDT May 28, 2008
UPDATED: 7:20 pm PDT May 28, 2008

Portland police officers have asked for an apology after they said organizers of a Barack Obama rally set up Porta-Potties on a memorial honoring fallen officers.

Earlier this month, 75,000 people gathered in Waterfront Park in downtown Portland to hear Obama speak at a pre-primary rally.

View The Photo From The Rally | Watch FOX 12 Report

Officer Thomas Brennan, a seven-year veteran with the Portland Police Bureau, said he was happy to help at the rally after being called in on his day off.

"On short notice, a lot of people had to cancel trips. But they were glad to do it," Brennan said. "It was very memorable, in more ways than one."

Brennan, who controlled the crowd near the Portland Police Memorial, noticed several Porta Potties set up in the middle of the memorial. Brennan had been at the site five days earlier for an annual memorial service and a flag was still set at half mast on the day of the rally.

"There was plenty of room elsewhere so space wasn't an issue," Brennan said. "So someone used some really poor decision making, whoever elected to put them there. I mean, it's somewhat hallowed ground, I guess you could call it."

After several days, Brennan attached a photo he took to a letter and e-mailed it to dozens of media outlets and the Obama campaign.

Brennan said officers haven't heard back from the Obama campaign. He said someone owes an apology to the families of the fallen officers.

"Not for a moment do I think that Mr. Obama had anything to do with this," Brennan said. "But somebody at his campaign at a local level made the decision to put them there. And I just want an acknowledgement: 'Hey, we made a mistake.'"

A representative with the Obama campaign responded Wednesday morning and said the Porta-Potties were placed at the memorial because of a safety issue for wheelchair access.

Teri Sorenson said there was no disrespect intended and the campaign had not responded because local offices have shut down until Obama becomes the official democratic candidate.

Officers: Memorial Used As Porta Potty Pit Stop At Obama Rally

Related:
  • Obama Organizers Say They Didn't Mean To Offend
  • Slideshow: Obama Draws 75,000

  • Sponsored Links

    Links We Like
    Sponsored Content
    Learn the top five signs of common mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder. More

    It is important to make sure your will is sorted out in the best way possible for you and your family. Here are ten things to consider when writing a will. More

    Looking for a qualified service professional to help you with your next project? Follow these ten steps and get the job done right. More

    For CPAP supplies to work effectively, they should be replaced regularly. Reduce the risks of death and qualify to renew your supplies. More

    Your News On FOX 12

    Have a news tip? Capture breaking news on camera? FOX 12 wants to hear from you. Click here for details.

    Health Topics & Information

    10 expert tips to promote a healthier heart. Learn why the “full-fat” version of food is often better than the “low-fat” version. More