Three members of the Portland Police spoke out to the media to share their personal experiences while working on the front lines of the riots in Portland.

Sgt. Brent Maxey, Sgt. Derrick Foxworth and Officer Rehanna Kerridge spoke about the riots that have been going on for weeks in Portland.

Sgt. Brent Maxey discusses the fact that officers cannot make it to other calls for help because they are all dealing with the riots. He also describes the “horrific displays of hate,” with some being directed at female officers.

Sgt. Derrick Foxworth discusses what it’s like to be an African American officer during the riots:

“It’s interesting be an African American officer, and I think it’s a shared experience. When you step outside or your agency, when you wear the uniform in public, especially if you’re interacting with communities of color, it doesn’t always go well. There’s a common experience that you’re no longer Black; you’re blue.”

Sgt. Foxworth also said he hasn’t experienced any racism within the Portland Police Bureau:

“The men and women of the Portland Police Bureau are some of the most accepting and kind people that I’ve ever interacted with.”

The shorter video is below and the full video with more commentary from the officers is directly below this video:

The longer video gives more detail on the failure to protect citizens because of the focus on the riots and how this really is a war these officers are waging:

These officers are our heroes. Back the Blue!