This week, the Grants Pass Tribune had the opportunity to speak with community member Dave Blakely regarding the recent events involving Josephine County Commissioner Chris Barnett and the Grants Pass Police Department. Mr. Blakely took the time to write the following letter to Chief Warren Hensman in response to a situation that has raised significant public concern.
We are sharing this letter today not only to inform readers but to highlight the kind of civic engagement that holds public officials accountable and demonstrates a genuine commitment to community integrity. Mr. Blakely’s words reflect what many in our county are beginning to echo: a growing unease over the misuse of power and the targeting of critics. With his permission, we are publishing the following letter in full, with only minor grammatical corrections for clarity.
To the Chief of Police,
I know you’re busy, but I’d like to take this moment to address the difficult and unfair position one of your officers was placed into yesterday (6/25/25) by a sitting county commissioner.
At approximately 1:40 p.m. on the date listed above, an officer called me regarding a complaint made by Chris Barnett, who is evidently accusing me of threatening him and was requesting assistance from your department. I informed the officer that I have at no time had any direct contact—whether in person, by phone, or in writing—with Chris Barnett, and I had no idea what he was referring to.
I did tell the officer that I have been extremely vocal, along with many others in the county, about the liability determined by the Oregon Supreme Court regarding the 72 counts of elder abuse and the $2.7 million fine levied against Mr. Barnett. I also informed the officer that this is not hearsay nor slander—it is public record, which I have referenced.
The officer then mentioned a phone call I made to the Civil Air Patrol headquarters in Medford, in which I expressed concern over Chris Barnett wearing a Civil Air Patrol uniform, given the liability he carries and the lack of integrity he brings to that uniform.
This situation raises a serious concern: a sitting county commissioner attempting to use his position to weaponize local law enforcement in an effort to silence a critic. It is also troubling that a false police report may have been initiated for this same purpose. I believe we can all agree that this constitutes an abuse of power and a potentially illegal act of filing a false report. It should be identified and condemned as such.
Finally, I would ask that you personally speak with the officer involved. Let him know that I recognize and respect his professionalism in this matter. He was placed in an unfair position and used as a pawn by a political figure attempting to silence someone for speaking the truth. That was not fair to your already overburdened department, nor was it fair to the officer himself.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Dave Blakely
We appreciate Mr. Blakely’s willingness to speak up, and we encourage other residents to remain engaged, informed, and unafraid to call out potential abuses of power. That is, after all, what community is about.