September 15, 2026 2:50 a.m. 

The Douglas County H.O.P.E. Drug Court is inviting the community to attend the First Responder Appreciation Event this Saturday, September 19th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the large pavilion in Stewart Park in Roseburg.

Organized as a H.O.P.E. Drug Court graduation community project by participant Charles Lockridge, the free event is designed to give children and families an opportunity to meet local first responders in a welcoming, positive environment. Attendees will be able to meet representatives from different agencies, view emergency and response vehicles, learn about programs and services available throughout the community, and enjoy activities for children inside the pavilion.

The project has a deeply personal meaning for Lockridge who said, “As a child, I experienced a lot of trauma seeing my mother taken away in an ambulance., This event is to give kids the opportunity to meet the people who provide help and assistance, learn what they do, and hopefully not be afraid when help is called for”.

Oregon Pacific Bank and the Umpqua Valley Public Defenders are sponsoring the First Responder Appreciation Event.

The community is also invited to attend the 114th H.O.P.E. Drug Court graduation on Tuesday, October 13th at 5:15 pm. at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Cascade Hall.

For more information on Douglas County H.O.P.E. Drug Court, go to: https://www.douglascountyor.gov/851/HOPE-Drug-Court