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TVF&R Captain Troy Spisla has received the American Legion Firefighter of the Year Award for the State of Oregon.

This annual award is conferred upon one firefighter in the state who, according to the American Legion, exemplifies the virtues of professionalism and dedication and has demonstrated a distinct pattern of community service to his/her community, State or Nation.

"TVF&R is proud of Captain Spisla," said TVF&R's Deputy Fire Chief Mike Duyck. "He exemplifies the qualities to which all of our firefighters aspire."

Spisla is in charge of TVF&R's Fire Station 35 in King City. At TVF&R, Station Captains are expected to act as the local fire chief regarding community and intergovernmental affairs within the city served by their station. Spisla is considered one of TVF&R's most noteworthy examples in this role.

"Captain Spisla has his finger on the pulse of the community he serves," Duyck said.

Last summer after a series of arson fires in a mobile home park for senior citizens, Spisla took it upon himself to organize two town hall meetings to discuss the fires and security measures the seniors should take.

Officials at the City of Tigard have hired Ted Kyle has accepted the City Engineer position.

Kyle, who has been the acting City Engineer since Sept. 15, 2009, brings with him extensive engineering and construction experience. He has more than 30 years of experience in public works related engineering and construction program management, including work as a civil engineer design professional and program manager for large construction programs. His background includes serving as a field engineer on a large water treatment plant for a top-10 construction contractor. His wide range of experience with all facets of public works project delivery will benefit the citizens of Tigard through more effective project design and construction practices.

"I am thrilled to have Ted Kyle on board as the City's new City Engineer," said Craig Prosser, City Manager. "This is a key position helping the City to provide quality public construction projects necessary to serving the citizens of Tigard. Ted has the know-how and drive to get the job done, and we are fortunate to have him."

PORTLAND, Ore. - Tigard resident Victor Kaganov was indicted by authorities after they say he established multiple shell corporations in Oregon on behalf of Russian clients.

Kaganov allegedly used the shell corporations to move more than $172 million in and out of the United States to more than 50 countries. Kaganov was indicted by a federal grand jury with a single count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business after more than 4,200 wire transactions had been made.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

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TIGARD, Ore. - Around 5:30 p.m. Friday evening a vehicle that police say was operated by an intoxicated driver lost control and sheared off a natural gas meter at a business in Tigard. The incident occurred at the Casual Car Wash at 9855 S.W. Walnut Place.

The suspect, now identified as 64-year-old Charles Carwell Rowlands Jr. of Tigard, reportedly fled the scene of the crash. However, Tigard police spokesperson Jim Wolf said officers quickly apprehended him "a short distance from the car wash."No injuries were reported.

Rowlands was lodged at the Washington County Jail on charges of DUII, reckless driving, criminal mischief I and hit and run. Reports indicate Rowlands BAC level was .19.

Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue coordinated the efforts to maintain safe perimeters around the gas leak, both for public safety and emergency service personnel access. Some nearby business lost gas service "for a period of time."

Pacific Highway also was closed to traffic while emergency utility and fire personnel worked to control the gas leak. The roadways in the area reopened about two hours later.