MEDFORD, Ore. (Sep. 20, 2026) — Medford Police Lt. Rebecca Pietila has been named a 2026 40 Under 40 Award recipient by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, recognizing her leadership, service and commitment to the law enforcement profession and the Medford community.
The annual award recognizes 40 law enforcement professionals under the age of 40 from around the world who demonstrate leadership, dedication and service to their communities and the profession.
“Rebecca is a trusted and respected leader who has made a meaningful impact throughout her career,” Medford Police Chief Trevor Arnold said. “She has a unique ability to lead complex operations while building strong relationships with our employees, community partners and residents. This recognition is incredibly well deserved.”
Pietila has more than 17 years of law enforcement experience and joined the Medford Police Department in 2010. She has held several leadership positions within the department and, since 2023, has led the Community Engagement Division.
In that role, Pietila oversees teams focused on livability, traffic safety, schools, code enforcement and community outreach.
“I’m honored to receive this recognition, but the work has always been about serving this community and finding better ways to respond to the challenges people are facing,” Pietila said. “I’ve been fortunate to work alongside great people, both within MPD and throughout our community, who are willing to try new approaches, build partnerships and do the work it takes to make Medford better.”
Throughout her career, Pietila has worked to connect police operations with broader community needs. She serves as the primary law enforcement liaison and trainer for Jackson County’s Deflection Program and helped advance MPD’s Latino Citizen’s Academy.
She has also supported initiatives including the Rogue Valley Girls Police Camp and employee mentorship programs.
In 2026, Pietila presented on “The Medford Model” at a national co-responder conference, sharing Medford’s community-based approach to addressing livability and behavioral health needs.
Her previous recognition includes being named a Top 10 Emerging Leader in 2024 and receiving MPD’s 2023 Outstanding Achievement Award for the Livability Team.
Pietila will be featured in the September 2026 issue of Police Chief magazine and recognized during the IACP 40 Under 40 Award Luncheon at the organization’s Annual Conference and Exposition in Orlando in October.
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