Team Kitsap Smile
Public Safety Day was held March 11, 2016 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.
South Kitsap Fire and Rescue class member Rick Christenson and Chief Mke Wernet (LK13)
Board Member Dr. Nick Wyatt (LK13) led off the day with a discussion of the Positive Leadership capacity of Community Building. “In a community, people feel at ease in other people’s presence because they sense that they are part of something together… Safety is closely related to comfort; a community is characterized by its members acting in the best interest of other members who may be present or absent … In a community, one feels confident that an individual’s concerns, interests, and well-being are cared for by other community members.” The theme was woven throughout the day. Project Co-Chair Dedra Miller (LK15) facilitated a review of team project successes and challenges.
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. Leadership Kitsap Board Member and South Kitsap Fire and Rescue Division Chief Mke Wernet (LK13) 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.
Judge Roof sharing Drug Court with the Class of 2016
Recently retired Judge Jay Roof, who presided over the Kitsap County Drug Court, spoke about the program and its great impact. Program graduate Michelle Fleetwood gave an inspirational and compelling testimonial of how Drug Court changed her life and how she is helping change the lives of others.
Deputy Prosecutor Kevin Kelly and working dog Kerris
Kitsap County Prosecutor, Tina Robinson gave an overview of the prosecutor’s office and some pressing issues impacting the county. Chief of the Felony and Juvenile Court Division, Chad Enright (LK15) and Chief of the District and Municipal Court Division Kevin Kelly led an engaging conversation about the role of the prosecutor’s office and responding to the will of Kitsap’s citizens. 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.
Board member, Undersheriff John Gese (LK04), facilitated a law enforcement panel discussion which included Kitsap County Sheriff, Gary Simpson (LK97); current class member Bainbridge Island Police Chief, Matt Hamner; 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.
Class engaged in the Law Enforcement Panel discussion
The class ended the day by touring the Kitsap County jail facility led by Lieutenant Genie Elton and current class member Sargent Scott Billingsley. The class got a first-hand look at life behind bars.
“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
Thank you to our Public Safety Day Sponsors: Law Office of Sanchez, Mitchell, Eastman & Cure, PSC and South Kitsap Firefighters Local 2876.
