by Chief Shawn Ledford and Manny Apostol, KCSO Communications Specialist                                

Recently, the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) outreach team made appearances at two simultaneous youth community events.

The Consejo’s Youth Empowerment Conference held at Renton High School was an opportunity for local students to attend workshops to uplift and empower them. Many of the students stopped by the KCSO table to learn more about the U-Visa/T-Visa program and language access. U and T Visa Manager Zoraida Arias engaged with students in Spanish so many of the attendees opted to ask questions in their native language. The KCSO representatives also shared their experiences in law enforcement and potential career opportunities with the Sheriff’s Office.

Happening at the same time was the Youth and Law Forum at the Tukwila Community Center. This event offered youth of all ages the opportunity to learn more about law enforcement and the judicial process. There were K9 and robot demonstrations, as well as KCSO’s Bearcat. Law enforcement agencies, law schools, and community resource organizations met and spoke with attendees and answered questions. 

A special shout-out to those from the Sheriff’s Office who participated: Metro Detective Mike Ramirez, Metro Deputy James “JT” Taylor, PCT 4/Skyway CSO Vickie Cariello, TAC30 Deputy Chase McEvilly, Zoraida Arias, and Community Engagement Liaison Manny Apostol for their work in these events.