Seaside Oregon Police Department

UPDATE: Hwy 26 has reopened.

A fatality accident has closed Highway 26 at milepost 7.5 in both directions. This may be an extended closure. Use alternative routes, if possible, or postpone travel. Check TripCheck.com for updates.

The Seaside Police Department is saddened to report that retired Chief of Police Robert “Bob” Gross recently passed away after a battle with cancer.

Chief Gross served as Seaside’s Chief of Police from August 2005 to October 2014. Prior to coming to Seaside, he spent 27 years with the Kennewick Police Department in Washington, serving from January 1974 to March 2001 and rising to the rank of Assistant Chief. He then served as Chief of Police in Reedsport, Oregon, from April 2001 to July 2005. In total, Chief Gross dedicated 40 years to a distinguished law enforcement career.

Chief Gross was also a U.S. Navy veteran who served as a Radioman prior to beginning his career in law enforcement.

During his time in Seaside, Chief Gross brought a leadership style that helped strengthen retention and stability within the department. His decision-making philosophy centered on ensuring that actions were legal, ethical, and simply the right thing to do. Alongside department staff, he helped develop the Seaside Police Department’s Mission, Vision, and Values Statement, which remains in use today.

Chief Gross also worked to improve relationships with neighboring law enforcement agencies at a time when those partnerships needed rebuilding. He was an active member of the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police and served as a District Representative on its board. His involvement in local organizations helped strengthen the department’s connection with the community. Chief Gross was an active member of the Seaside Rotary Club and a regular attendee of the Seaside Downtown Development Association.

“Chief Gross played a significant role in my leadership development,” said Seaside Police Chief Dave Ham. “His training, mentoring, and support were important factors in my promotion to chief following his retirement.”

The Seaside Police Department offers its deepest sympathies to Chief Gross’s family during this difficult time.

Anyone wishing to offer condolences to the family may mail or drop off cards at the Seaside Police Department, and they will be forwarded to the family.

Seaside Police Department
1091 S. Holladay Dr.
Seaside, OR 97138

Peace Officers Memorial Day honors the local, state, and federal law enforcement officers who have died or been injured in the line of duty. Thank you to all law enforcement officers who continue to put their lives on the line each and every day.