We are sad to announce the passing of Mark J. Spross, 52, of Oregon City, Oregon.

Mark was born in Roseburg, Oregon. Mark spent his early years in Boy Scouts of America earning his Eagle badge at the age of 15. He was selected for the Order of the Arrow until 18 when he transitioned to the Explorer Scout program. Mark was a long-time volunteer for Douglas County Search and Rescue where he held many positions including President and backup Search and Rescue Coordinator.

Mark earned his Associates of Applied Arts in Communications from Lane Community College and Associates of Applied Arts in Emergency Management from Clackamas Community College, his Bachelor of Arts in Management from Northwest Christian College and his Master's in Public Administration from Portland State University.
Mark's Emergency Communications career began with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office in 1990. He then moved to Central Lane Communications Center, eventually returning to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office as a Deputy Sheriff and School Resource Officer.

Mark went to work for Clackamas County Sheriff's Office in early 2000 and quickly moved back into dispatching, rising to become the Communications Manager at Clackamas 911. In 2019, Mark was selected as the Executive Director for METCOM 9-1-1 in Woodburn where he served until his passing. Mark was also an active instructor with the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training for Oregon.

Mark was deeply involved in the Oregon chapter of APCO (Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials). He served as Oregon APCO/NENA (National Emergency Number Association) Vice President, President and most recently Past President. Serving on the Oregon APCO/NENA legislative committee, Mark was instrumental in making key changes to legislation impacting 9-1-1 in Oregon, including passing the 9-1-1 tax increase and was appointed by the Oregon Governor to the Statewide 9-1-1 Advisory.

Mark served on the APCO (Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials) International Awards Committee and was appointed as an APCO International Group Leader overseeing international committees. A graduate of the APCO Registered Public Leaders (RPL) and the Certified Public Safety Executive (CPE) programs, in August 2023 Mark was elected by the membership as APCO International's 2nd Vice President.

Mark had a passion for life, and a deep love of people. He loved to travel and run marathons, and loved his friends, co-workers, colleagues, and family. In a recent interview, Mark words were "I truly hope that I am able to provide what others have provided for me." His hope was that he was able to be a mentor to others. Anyone that met Mark immediately became a friend.

Mark was predeceased by his Father and survived by his Mother; Brother and family; many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins in Germany; Uncle and family in Eugene as well as a tight knit group of close friends that he considered family.

When they are ready, the family will announce plans for a public service to provide an opportunity for Mark's friends and co-workers to say goodbye.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial donations be made in Mark's name to your local non-profit animal welfare organization.

Please share your favorite photos of Mark with us via the following link: https://dropevent.com/MarkSpross