Shawn Handel, Kitsap 911
Public Safety Day was held March 10, 2017 at the Kitsap County Administration Building in Port Orchard. The challenge day was a great look into Kitsap’s law enforcement, emergency preparedness, fire safety, courts, and jail – and how all work together to keep us safe and build community.
Board Member Jennifer Yeaman (LK11) led off the day with a discussion of the Positive Leadership capacity of Community Building. One participant shared, “[Community Building is] critically important. We serve as leaders to the extent people buy in to our philosophy and follow us – thus a leader cannot lead without building and nurturing their community.” The theme was woven throughout the day. Project Co-Chairs Audrey Barbakoff (LK16) and John Hurley (LK16) facilitated a review of team project successes and challenges.
Jason McMillan, Department of Emergency Managment
Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management Operations Coordinator, Jason McMillan, spoke on how his department helps prepare Kitsap County for the next disaster. Class members were impressed with the number of volunteer opportunities available to community members to get involved in Kitsap’s emergency preparedness.
Kitsap 911 Dispatcher Shawn Handel gave the class an overview of how the 911 system works in Kitsap County and the role CENCOM plays in providing emergency services to Kitsap County.
Rick Christenson, South Kitsap Fire & Rescue
South Kitsap Fire and Rescue Lieutenant Rick Christenson (LK16) shared how Fire and Emergency Management Services collaborate with other first responders in the county. The class also learned about how fire districts are funded in Kitsap County.
Kitsap County Prosecutor, Tina Robinson gave an overview of the prosecutor’s office. Chief of the Felony and Juvenile Court Division, Chad Enright (LK15) and Chief of the District and Municipal Court Division Kevin Kelly (LK09) led an engaging conversation about the role of the prosecutor’s office and Kitsap’s several diversion courts. Kelly, also the prosecutor’s office service dog handler, introduced yellow lab Kerris to the class. Kerris’ job is to put people at ease, victims of crimes and accused criminals alike. She is especially beneficial for assisting with children.
Kitsap County Prosecutor’s Office
Lieutenant Steve Duckworth (LK11), facilitated a law enforcement panel discussion which included Kitsap County Sheriff, Gary Simpson (LK97); Bainbridge Island Police Chief, Matt Hamner (LK16); and Suquamish Tribal Police Chief, Mike Lasnier. Among the many topics covered were how the various local law enforcement agencies work together. The discussion reinforced the day’s Community Building theme. One participant reflected on the discussion, “Safety starts with the community and a good home family presence.”
Kitsap Law Enforcement Panel
The class ended the day by touring the Kitsap County jail facility and got a first-hand look at life behind bars. The tours were led by Lieutenant Roxanne Payne (LK98), Lieutenant Penny Sapp (LK11), and Sargent Scott Billingsley (LK16). The class left the day with a better understanding of Kitsap’s public safety sector and a new appreciation for those that serve to keep us safe.
“Community Building is about providing people with a platform to be their best selves. The more meaningfully connected we are to our communities, the better versions of ourselves we become.” – Positive Leadership
Executive Sponsors:
Sponsors: Kitsap County Administration & Kitsap County Deputy Sheriff’s Guild
