Union County Retired Educators host La Grande Police Chief Jason Hays
By Garrett Christensen on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
UNION COUNTY – (Release from the Union County Retired Educators Club) La Grande’s new Police Chief, Jason Hays, was a recent guest at the Union County Retired Educator’s meeting. Hays, who moved to La Grande in 1986, served as a medic in the navy and also member of the Marine Corp. Jason graduated from Eastern Oregon University and then served for 20 years in the La Grande police department, heading several departments including the Drug Task Force.
Hays praised the 36 members of the police force, adding there are three new officers with two vacancies open. He studied other places the size of La Grande, adding of those reviewed, La Grande had the third lowest crime rate, with drugs the major issue. He added, “I want to continue to provide service that the community deserves.” Hays told the group that he will continue to work on the major crime issue of drugs, which filter their way from Mexico. “I want to continue to provide the services the community deserves.” He noted that services are fairly confined to La Grande, but the department assists as needed throughout Union County.
The Police Chief took many questions from the group regarding training, police facility, parking on the streets, sources of drugs, retention of police officers, and more.
Tessie (Tarter)Murrey was the newest member to join the association, and shared “My Birthday Book,” with headlines and stories from the New York Times for every year since birth.
Photo: (L to R) Fred Arnst, Jason Hays, Doyle Slater, Connie Slater
