One of our most crucial responsibilities is to be there when our community needs us most. Whether it is a mass shooting, wildfire, plane crash, train derailment, or pandemic, we need to support our residents on their “worst day.” That’s why this week’s Safety Summit, sponsored by the Department of Emergency Management, was so important.
This was our second annual Summit and was a big step up from last year. We tripled the number of attendees – driving us to a larger venue at Clover Park Technical College. We had representatives from across our community including county departments, cities, governmental agencies, law enforcement, fire service, K12 schools and higher education! They heard both national and local speakers, learned from incidents in Clark County (Nevada), Joplin, Uvalde, Grays Harbor and others. Thursday morning, elected officials, police chiefs and communications professionals from across Pierce County met to learn about crisis communication.
The Summit concluded with an active shooter exercise for law enforcement and fire personnel at Washington High School. I am thankful that we prepare for a day we hope will never come. Because if it does, seconds matter and all our preparation could save lives.
My thanks to Director Jody Ferguson, Deputy Director Amy Gillespie and the entire Emergency Management Team for their work to plan and implement this important Summit.
So, that’s the “bad times” we may face in our region. What about the good times? Well, one of the best things I can imagine is falling in love. That’s where the Auditor’s Office comes in.
I had the opportunity to tag along as Arlisea Poole, Recording and Licensing Supervisor, processed marriage licenses for happy couples. It was fun to meet the lovebirds and learn more about this important role we play in the beginning of their legal life as a couple. It’s been over four decades since Lauren and I applied for our marriage license in Pierce County, so I had some catching up to do!
My thanks to Auditor Linda Farmer, Arlisea, and especially the couples that let us film their time at the Auditor’s Office. You can imagine their surprise when they walked in and saw the lights and cameras! They were good sports. Although none of them took me up on my offer to serve as the officiant at their wedding!
I hope you have plenty of time to share this weekend with those you love.
Thanks for reading,
Bruce