McCann

STANFIELD — Thomas McCann, Stanfield mayor and beloved community leader, died on Saturday, April 16, of a heart attack.

“He had a really lengthy service to the public,” Stanfield City Manager Benjamin Burgener said.

McCann was president of the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, president and board chairman of the Oregon Special Districts Association, Stanfield Fire District firefighter, Stanfield chief of police and Umatilla County Marine Patrol deputy sheriff.

McCann had a total of 37 total years of law enforcement experience, was married to his wife, Sharone McCann, for 50 years and had five children, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Coming to Stanfield to serve

According to Burgener, McCann came to Stanfield from Arizona, where he served as a narcotics officer. In 1992, he left the Stanfield police, and then became mayor in 1995.

“His life was in public service,” the city manager said. “He looked for ways to serve the community, protect the community and improve the community his whole life.”

McCann brought many projects to his city, Burgener said.

“Most recently, we’ve been working through our downtown repaving project with (the Oregon Department of Transportation),” he added. “The improvements, which we’re still undergoing, will bring in lights, add sidewalks and make for a better business and community environment for the city.”

Also, he was a “big proponent” of a proposed veterans memorial, Burgener said.

“He was beloved by all, probably one of the best mayors I’ve ever served around, Burgener said. “He loved the city, got involved and did everything he could for the city.”

This death was unexpected, Burgener said. McCann had heart issues, he added, but he and others were shocked by his passing and were not ready for it. This is hitting Stanfield very hard, he said.

Jerry Carlson, Stanfield finance director, said he is among the people affected by this loss.

“I started a little bit after he started with the city in 1979, when he was police chief and I was hired to be city recorder,” Carlson said. “So I’ve been working with him as mayor and as police chief for a lot of years.”

He said McCann was a hard worker, who would “dive in and do what was necessary” to complete a task.

“When they city was flooded, it required people to stay up all night,” Carlson said. McCann was one of those people who was up all night, only to work the next day.

Also, Carlson spoke of other times, when McCann went the extra mile. When the city was short various officials, Carlson said, McCann stepped in to perform extra work.

“He was never shy about helping out,” Carlson said.

He added that he will miss his friend, but that the rest of the town will miss him, too.

Burgener said that the Stanfield City Council would discuss options for selecting a new mayor at a city council meeting Tuesday, April 19.

According to Burgener, the council would discuss whether to appoint a fellow councilor to fill the role or select a different person from their community.

McCann had more than two years left on his term.