Bombed bank in Woodburn reopens, staff 'eager to be back'

Summary

A bank in Woodburn, Ore., where two police officers died after a bomb exploded, has reopened for business. A new memorial commemorates the officers that gave their lives. A father and son are awaiting trial for allegedly planting the bomb.

Story Published: Jul 20, 2009 at 10:13 AM PST

Story Updated: Jul 20, 2009 at 10:29 AM PST

Bombed bank in Woodburn reopens, staff 'eager to be back'

Police Chief Scott Russell (above) survived the blast that killed two other men, but he lost a leg and has had numerous surgeries.

WOODBURN, Ore. - A Woodburn community bank has opened its doors for the first time since a bomb went off there back in December. The bomb killed two police officers.

On Monday that West Coast bank branch reopened for business, with a new memorial outside the building. The bank's regional president said he hopes friends and neighbors will stop by to see the new place. Managers say the staff is eager to be back.

The day of the bombing, investigators responded to a call about a bomb that came in from the Wells Fargo bank next door. Officers found a device, but decided it wasn't dangerous. 

Soon after, a West Coast bank employee found a suspicious device in the bushes. Officers moved that device inside and it blew up, killing a trooper and police captain. Local Police Chief Scott Russell survived, but lost a leg and has gone through many surgeries.

Suspects Bruce Turnidge and his son Joshua face aggravated murder charges in the deaths of the officers.

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