The work at King County is guided by our True North and values. We do this to make King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. Our values define the way we act, what’s important to us, and our expectations for ourselves and one another. King county employees not only embody these values in their day-to-day work but when their efforts directly create a positive impact on community members, it merits acknowledgment.

On the night of November 3rd, Deputy Clark “Trey” Matthews, Deputy Seth Grant, and Sergeant Hiram Grijalva responded to a call for service at the International District Light Rail Station. When there, they were approached by security who advised them there was a female with four young children who were cold and had found themselves homeless.

The responding deputies made numerous calls to resources and shelter options but hit a wall when none were able to help. With no other options available to keep the family from sleeping outside in the cold, the team made the decision to use their own money to get the family a room at a hotel in SeaTac until the family could find assistance.

In King County people, including families with children, experience homelessness or are at risk of experiencing homelessness and it is critical to find housing stability and individual safety in a timely manner. The deputies, guided by our True North and values, came together to help a mother and her children in need. They didn’t do this for the praise, but for what was right in the moment.

Ensuring the safety of people in King County is the King County Sheriff’s Office top priority. Deputy Matthews, Deputy Grant, and Sergeant Grijalva did just that and came together to help a mother and her children. Thank you for responding with leadership, integrity, service, and teamwork.