Officer directed on vacation

Twenty-five years ago this week, a Portland police officer was continuing a three-decade tradition.

The Aug. 23, 1996, edition of The Commercial Review included a feature story about Portland police officer Bob Moore using his vacation time to direct traffic during the Tri-State Antique Engine and Tractor Show. He had been doing so for 28 years.

The story describes “beads of sweat” on Moore’s face as “streams of cars and semi-tractor trailers barreled his way.” He was directing traffic at the intersection of U.S. 27 (Meridian Street) and county road 100 North, where vehicles turn east to head to Jay County Fairgrounds and the Tri-State grounds for the show.

“In a whirl, he fluttered his hands, shuffled his body and barked out directions,” the story said. “Wearing a bright-blue vest with the word ‘POLICE’ printed on a yellow strip, he bobbed his head back and forth to check approaching traffic. A radio microphone dangling at his shoulder, his eyes quickly shifted from side to side.”

“I’m getting to the point where I’m slowing down a bit,” said Moore, 52. “I’ll let the new generation take over.”

Still, he said his passion for directing traffic and welcoming visitors to Portland had not waned.

“It’s a fun crowd to be with,” Moore said. “The people who come to the tractor and engine show are a great bunch of people, that’s the reason I enjoy it.

“The people that go out there make my vacation for me. No matter how long they have to wait in traffic, I’d say 90% of the people have a smile on their face. They’re the type of people who enjoy life.”