Month: December 2019

Domestic violence calls are some of the most dangerous calls our deputies face.  High emotions frequently fueled with drugs or alcohol can be an unpredictable and deadly combination. Two of our deputies recently responded to a domestic violence call involving a 22-year-old man, energized by drugs.  He was threatening his mother and six-year-old sister with a shotgun reported on the premises and our deputies were on high alert.  But when they had trouble subduing the assailant, the call went out for help. Deputy Cooper Dyson rushed to assist his fellow deputies.  Tragically, on that dark and rainy early morning, Deputy Dyson lost control of his patrol vehicle and crashed on 112th near Golden Given Road.  He passed away at the scene. According to those who knew him, Deputy Dyson loved being…

There is something about the holiday season that brings out the best in people.  One of the great aspects of my role with the County is that I get glimpses of what is happening all across the County.  Over the last week alone I’ve seen many examples of Pierce County people taking care of each other. While the acts of caring and service vary greatly, the common thread is that folks are looking beyond themselves to bring a bit a joy or a moment of kindness to someone else. For example, last Saturday a local church in University Place hosted a holiday gathering for 56 families that would not otherwise have much to celebrate.  Thanks to some amazing people – including our own Judge Jack Nevin – 250 children were…

A group of Pierce County partners has been working for some time to ensure court-involved people who are dealing with a mental illness can receive the care and treatment they need. This week, that work was recognized by the Washington state chapter of NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) with their 2019 Criminal Justice Award.    NAMI, a national advocacy group founded by family members of people diagnosed with mental illness, identifies its mission as being "dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.” [caption id="attachment_2127" align="aligncenter" width="4032"] Pierce County representatives receive the 2019 Criminal Justice Award from NAMI[/caption] This award recognizes the Sheriff’s Department’s operations and jail division, Superior Court, District Court, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Department of Assigned Counsel, Human Services, and their…

This time of year can be gloomy, dark and rather dreary.  The days are short – we wake up to darkness and go home at the end of the work day the same way. As we head into the holiday season, I am struck by some of the conflicts and divisions in our larger world.  Finding paths forward and places of commonality can seem remote. These two topics come together for me when I consider the various holiday and faith traditions of the people of Pierce County - and how light is common to many of them. Whether it’s the candle headdress of the St. Lucia’s Day celebration in Scandinavia or the fireworks of the Chinese New Year a month later, our community has many ways to bring light into…