I'm pretty sure that Criminalist Cushman came to my home after a burglary a few years ago. He was friendly and straightforward, something that I would guess is challenging when most of our expectations about his line of work are shaped by shows like CSI.

Though he told us that it was doubtful he'd be able to get any valuable evidence, his honesty and explanation of what they could and couldn't do somehow made us feel better.

I'm sorry for his family's loss.

I'm sorry for his families loss, he will be missed.

Not to politicize this, (but I'm going to do it anyways,) traffic accidents kill more police officers than bullets: They drive fast, they drive though red lights, and they pull over on the side of the freeway, all of which are very dangerous things to do. From a "saving officers lives" standpoint, the best thing we can do is move right and stop when we hear sirens, and slow down and move left when we see them parked on the side of the road. Although it doesn't sound like he was on the job, (given that he wasn't in city limits,) so that doesn't really apply.

Rest in peace, officer. This is a tragedy.

According to the Vancouver paper, he drove into the back of a disabled dump truck. Draw your own conclusions.

The Oregonian said the truck's lights were off at 6:30 pm, when it would have been fairly dark ... if true, it sounds like it wasn't his fault at all.

kgw.com also reports that the [truck] "driver was rolling backwards into traffic".

that is truly horrible. my thoughts are with him, his family and his compatriots.

Patrick Nolen

I am sorry for his family's loss.

I wish that more Portland police officers would choose to live in the city they serve. I'm sad to see Criminalist Cushman and Officer Zylawy die because of their commute and I hope the bureau can create incentives to encourage officers to stay in the city.

In the original Vancouver papers' report, no mention was made of the fact that the truck was rolling backwards in traffic.

@#6: It is our school system. Just think of how nice of a school system we could build for $2.1B (our half of the CRC.) Alas we'd rather spend it on a bridge than actually educate people.

My deepest sympathy and wishes go out to the family left behind. My brother in law is a CA police officer and we feel the pain with you. God bless you all and may you rest in peace Adam.