PORTLAND, OR -- An Oregon police chief was honored by the FBI for her efforts to improve law enforcement and partnering with federal investigators.

Special Agent In Charge of the FBI’s Portland Field Office Kieran Ramsey presented Albany Police Chief Marcia Harnden with the Law Enforcement Leadership Award Friday. "Several FBI Portland Field Office investigations have benefitted from the cooperation with the Albany Police Department," Ramsey said, "And that clearly starts at the top, as Chief Harnden and her leadership staff are always responsive, and maintain the utmost collaborative approach towards the FBI." SAC Ramsey also noted her work improving overall department wellness, "Chief Harnden is also devoted to developing resiliency within the law enforcement community, and has organized countless no-cost training opportunities to area law enforcement."

Chief Harnden said, "It’s my duty and responsibility to take care of the people taking care of you." She was humbled by the recognition, "I’m only as good as a police chief as the people that work for us. And so, it’s my responsibility and my duty to take care of those who work in public safety - not just my people, but anybody in public safety." She added, "I strongly believe that policing will continue to get better. It’s been a tough couple years and we still have work to do. But we have to be the example that we want to see in policing."

The Portland Area Canine Therapy Teams also received a leadership award Friday. Executive Director Kathy Loter says more than 90 teams of volunteers work with victims and investigators after traumatic events, "Our dogs go into so many places and just change the vibe. They change a room, just by walking in." She also says they're the only dogs allowed across the Portland Airport, where they help relieve stress among travelers, TSA staff and vendors, "You can see people’s body posture change, you can just see smiles when they see the dogs. They may not stop and touch them, but they make a huge difference." According to the FBI, the canine teams volunteered more than 9500 hours last year.