| Detective Teresa Bowersox |
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My goals since I was nine years old were to join the United States Army and to become an Oregon State Trooper. I grew up in Gilchrist Oregon and was inspired to become a State Trooper by a close friend’s father, Sgt. Jim Rector. In my small town the only police presence was that of the Oregon State Police, and those Troopers showed strength, honor, professionalism, and dedication to duty which I have never forgotten. 
I joined the Army when I was 17-years old and spent five years on active duty in Hawaii, and Ft. Bragg North Carolina. When I joined the military there was a minimum height requirement of 5’4’’ to be a military police officer and due to the fact that I am only 5’3” I had to pick a different field, but I found other challenging adventures to pursue, such as; jumping out of airplanes, repelling out of helicopters, “rucking” hundreds of miles, shooting lots of weapons, and holding on to my second dream of becoming a Trooper
I have also worked as a wild land firefighter for the Forest Service, a land surveyor. My most challenging and rewarding job has been as a mother of two.
After my children were a bit older, I buckled down and re-focused on my own goals. I knew that the Oregon State Police hires only the best, so I worked hard to prepare myself for the job and show them I belonged among the ranks. I used my GI Bill to attain an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice; I attended a nine-month Police Reserve Academy at Umpqua Community College, and I also maintained a high level of physical fitness.
I was hired by OSP in September of 2004, and my first assignment was in the Patrol Division at the Coos Bay office, which I feel gave me a well-rounded start to my career. Although we are all “Troopers” around the State each office has its own unique qualities, experiences, and responsibilities based on the communities we serve. In 2006, I transferred to the Patrol Division in Roseburg. While stationed in Roseburg I have had the opportunity to work as a detective on an Interagency Narcotics Team, and as a detective in Major Crimes, where I am currently assigned.
Even in my short four years with the Department I have been afforded many opportunities. The Department has sent me to specialized training all over the State. For instance, I have had the opportunity to work the Oregon State University football games. I have been a patrol tactics instructor, a field training officer, and a member of camp staff at the academy on many occasions. I have found training to be a very rewarding experience and participating in camp staff has allowed me to see others working hard, fulfilling their dreams and achieving their goals.
Outside of being a Trooper, I am also a wife and a mother. I am married to another State Trooper who is just as dedicated and busy as I am. Although work schedules can be unforgiving at times, my husband and I work hard to support each other and stay involved in our children’s lives, always making time for family fun.
My career with the Oregon State Police has met all expectations of my long-time dream and continues to fulfill my life with purpose, pride, honor, and family. There is no career better then being an Oregon State Trooper. One of the best aspects of being a female Trooper is that I am not treated or looked at as a woman, but an equal partner who is held to the same standard as the men. I encourage any woman who feels like she is up to the challenge of succeeding in this field, to apply with the best to be the best. OSP STRONG!
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