New B-WSPD recruits eager to serve the community

Virgen grew up in Hood River and received his BA in Criminal Justice from Western Oregon University in 2014. Before joining the Bingen-White Salmon Police Department, Virgen worked at SDS Lumber Company before joining the Police Department, and was on reserve for the Hood River Police Department.

“It’s been going great, I love working here so far,” said Virgen. Lately the routine has been learning day to day activities and how to talk to people in different situations, Virgen explained.

Virgen couldn’t remember what spurred him to pursue criminal justice, but said that ever since high school he knew he wanted to pursue a career as a police officer. “I just want to help out community as much as I can, and be positive role model for incoming generations,” said Virgen.

Before joining Bingen-White Salmon’s force, Dawkins, originally from Battle Ground, was a senior technician and account manager for a pest control company. “My ambitions to become a law enforcement officer started right out of high school when I thought about where I wanted to be in my career,” explained Dawkins in an email to The Enterprise.

“Law enforcement or the military were two things that really intrigued me because I have so much respect for [the] men and women who are involved in that line of work and I wanted to be a part of it,” said Dawkins. He added that he and his fiancée love living in the Gorge, and being part of the involved and friendly community.

Dawkins’ job experience so far has been similar to Virgen’s, with lots of learning and ride-alongs making up their day.

“We have been observing and just riding along with fellow officers before we go to academy,” Dawkins explained. “But I have learned a lot as far as how to communicate during certain situations, directing traffic during the incident in Mosier, learning about how to react to major incidents involving the town, safety and firing techniques with firearms, attended both city council meetings as well, along with so much more.”

“Overall extremely excited to be a part of the community and help the department and the locals here anyway I can!” added Dawkins.

“First and foremost I’m excited to have Pedro and Sean a part of the Bingen/White Salmon Police Department,” said Police Chief Tracy Wyckoff. “At this time they have been observing, and learning the environment they will be working in.”

Wyckoff explained the two have been participating in mandated training until they’re sent off to the academy. “I am looking forward to having them here, trained and working for the department. This will be the first time since I accepted the job here we will be at full staff,” said Wyckoff. “I feel they both will be a great asset to the department and community.”