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Public art will pay tribute to slain Medford officer Tuesday Mar 21, 2017 at 3:58 PM Mar 21, 2017 at 4:25 PM Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune @RyanPfeil The Medford Arts Commission plans to pay tribute to the only Medford police officer killed in the line of duty with an art piece installed in front of the department's headquarters. The Arts Commission has allocated $10,000 for the project, intended to honor Constable George Prescott, and has opened submissions to the public, according to a request for proposals. The winning submission will be installed near the station's main entrance at 219 S. Ivy St., on a 4-by-7-foot plot by June 15. Prescott was shot and killed March 16, 1933, while serving a warrant on Llewellyn A. Banks, publisher of the Medford Daily News. Banks had ordered the destruction of election ballots that were set for recount in a sheriff's election, and later stated that he would kill any police officer who tried to arrest him. Prescott and three other officers arrived at Banks' home, warrant in hand. Banks' wife answered the door, then tried to close it when officers informed her of the warrant. Prescott stuck his foot in the door to prevent it from closing, which is when Banks fired a rifle. Prescott was struck in the chest and died at the scene. A Mail Tribune editorial said Prescott had previously served as a juvenile officer under Judge Ben B. Lindsey, charged with handling "the unfortunate and erring youth who Lindsey especially sought to help." "He had a splendid blend of those qualities which make a real human being, and in his quiet, inoffensive way, he performed the duties of his office fearlessly and efficiently," the editorial said. Tribute entries to Prescott will be judged on material durability, ease of maintenance, ability to withstand weather and public access, demonstration of Prescott's contributions to Medford, emotional impact, and the incorporation of MPD's "Your Police, Our Community" motto. Details on submitting proposals can be viewed at online at www.ci.medford.or.us/SIB/files/RFP%20for%20MPD%20Art%20FINAL.pdf. Proposals should be submitted no later than 11:55 p.m. Friday, March 31. They can be emailed to [email protected] or by mail to: Medford Parks & Rec/Medford Arts Commission, ATTN: Jesse Nyberg, 701 N. Columbus Ave., Medford 97501. The artist with the winning proposal must complete the project by June 15. — Reach reporter Ryan Pfeil at 541-776-4468 or [email protected]. Follow him at www.twitter.com/ryanpfeil.