Artists sought to create public tribute to fallen MPD officer

Medford, Ore. – The Medford Arts Commission is requesting proposals from artists to create a public art piece to pay tribute to the only Medford Police officer killed in the line of duty.

According to Officer Down Memorial Page, in 1933, Constable George Prescott was shot and killed at a man’s home on North Peach Street while trying to serve a warrant stemming from ballot thefts.

The Arts Commission said the purpose of the installation is to “honor police in our community acknowledging the ultimate sacrifice police make, by honoring Constable Prescott…”

Medford Police Deputy Chief Johnson said, “…what this art dedicated to George Prescott means to us… This wasn’t just a footnote of a historical event in Medford’s early years, but is a tragic event that horribly impacted Medford…This happened to one of our own, and we are committed to training and safety practices to limit the chance this could ever happen here in Medford again.”

Proposals must be submitted to the Medford Arts Commission by March 31, 2017.