DAJD’s first-ever K-9 team hits the ground sniffing
By Noah Haglund, Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention
Corrections Officer Raymond Gentz and his K-9 partner Koda smiled for the cameras on a bright, summery morning in early June.
The newly minted duo from King County was one of a half-dozen handler-dog teams celebrating the completion of a rigorous course in drug detection. They trained for six weeks with the State Department of Corrections, mostly in Spokane. Graduation took place at the DOC headquarters in Tumwater.
Now, Gentz and Koda form the first-ever K-9 team at the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention.
“The addition of this K-9 team is one more effort DAJD has taken to reduce impacts of overdoses on our residents and staff who are called to respond,” Director Allen Nance said. Read more.
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KCSO participates in Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office employee newsletter
Recently, the King County Sheriff’s Office teamed up with Seattle Police to take part in the Special Olympics Washington Law Enforcement Torch Run, carrying the Flame of Hope along the Seattle waterfront.
This annual tradition brings law enforcement agencies together across the country to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics programs, supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities.
This annual event is more than just a run—it’s a show of unity, inclusion, and the kind of community support that goes far beyond public safety.
Our involvement started in the city of Shoreline. Patrol Operations Division Chief Kelly Park received the torch from Edmonds PD at North 205th Street. From there, Captain Neil Woodruff, Deputy Wyatt Hunt, and Deputy Danny Schettler (along with his daughters in the stroller) joined in on the fun all the way down to the Seattle city limit at North 145th Street. That’s almost four miles, which is pretty impressive!
Meanwhile, just west of downtown Seattle, Community Programs & Services Division Captain Tim Meyer proudly carried the torch from Pier 62 to Pier 57 as part of this powerful tradition.
The event highlighted the power of partnership, the spirit of resilience, and the incredible achievements of Special Olympics athletes across Washington. We’re proud to be part of this effort—and even prouder to celebrate our athletes!
Thank you to everyone involved! We are already looking forward to next year’s run!
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Onsite dental clinic for Metro employees
Jet Dental onsite clinics are coming to Metro!
Metro is thrilled to partner with Jet Dental to bring professional dental care directly to Metro employees! Whether you’re due for a cleaning or want a brighter smile, this is your chance.
A professional dental team will be onsite offering dental exams, cleanings, x-rays, and optional teeth whitening. The costs include:
- Dental Exam, Cleaning & X-rays: Billed to your dental insurance (or $150 without insurance)
- Teeth Whitening: $299 (not covered by insurance)
Walk-ins welcome, but pre-registration is encouraged! Make sure to have your insurance info handy when booking.
- Thursday, July 17, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., South Base – 2nd Floor Conference Room
This event is available to all eligible King County Metro employees. For more details, visit the Wellness Program – Metro Employees website.
Register for a dental clinic appointment here.
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The Get Movin’ summer schedule is here
Stay active and boost your mental health this summer with free, virtual fitness classes you can join from anywhere! Regular movement is proven to support well-being, and our Get Movin’ with Balanced You summer series makes it easy to stay on track. Enjoy live weekly sessions led by certified trainers, featuring yoga, stretching, cardio, core workouts, mat-based Pilates, tai chi, and strength training; a great opportunity for keeping your body moving and your mind refreshed all season long.
Check out the new summer schedule here.
Supervisors: Here is a printer-friendly PDF with the Get Movin’ summer 2025 schedule to post at your worksites for employees who do not have access to email.
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King County announces applications are now open for Executive’s Small Business Awards
On July 3, King County Executive Shannon Braddock announced that applications for the Executive’s Small Business Awards are now open.
There are eight Small Business of the Year award categories: Overall Small Business, Minority-Owned, Woman-Owned, Exporting, Green/Sustainable, Workforce Development, Rural, and Creative Economy.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our neighborhoods, providing jobs, driving innovation, and reflecting the rich diversity of our region,” said Executive Braddock. “It’s an honor to celebrate the entrepreneurs whose vision and determination power King County’s economy and strengthen our communities.”
To be eligible, businesses must be located within King County, have 50 or fewer employees, and have been in operation for at least three years. Past winners are not eligible.
Visit kingcounty.gov/smallbusinessawards to learn more and apply. The application deadline is Aug. 10.
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Executive Braddock announces winners of the 2025 Green Globe Awards, King County’s highest honor for environmental stewardship
King County Executive Shannon Braddock today announced the winners of the 2025 Green Globe Awards, King County’s highest honor for environmental stewardship.
The Environmental Catalyst award went to Seattle Times environmental reporter and award-winning author Lynda Mapes. Other winners included an effective hunger relief program that was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, a regional bicycle donation hub, an organization that is advancing equitable access to outdoor experiences, and a nonprofit that is developing transit-friendly, sustainable homes that will be permanently affordable. Read more.
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Honoring our Honor Guard
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office Employee newsletter
Last May, members of the King County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard traveled to Washington, D.C., to represent both our agency and the state of Washington during National Police Week.
While in our nation’s capital, our team took part in several moving ceremonies, including standing watch at the National Candlelight Vigil for Fallen Officers, and joining agencies from around the world on stage at the U.S. Capitol to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
These moments are more than symbolic—they’re a reminder of the deep respect and shared commitment among law enforcement across the country.
Closer to home, the Honor Guard is frequently called upon to take part in parades, official KCSO ceremonies, and other significant community events.
They also play a vital role in a deeply meaningful partnership with the King County Medical Examiner’s Office—helping lay to rest hundreds of individuals who pass away without next of kin. This is a solemn duty, and one our Honor Guard carries out with care, dignity, and pride.
We thank our Honor Guard for the work they do—often behind the scenes—to represent KCSO and our department values with respect, compassion, and professionalism.
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Exclusive savings through TicketsatWork – Disneyland
King County employees get access to exclusive discounts and deals through ticketsatwork.com.
Experience the magic of Disneyland. Save up to $64 on multi-day tickets to the Disneyland® Resort—where every visit brings a new kind of happy. With endless things to do, it’s the perfect place for summer family fun. Learn more here.
TicketsatWork is updated daily with seasonal offers and exclusive savings on everything from home entertainment to your everyday needs. Visit ticketsatwork.com/tickets and use the company code KingCounty to begin receiving discounts and extra special offers on your go-to brands and most-loved experiences, including brand new offers on cruises, just in time for spring travel.
See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.
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Fire Marshal issues Stage 1 Burn Ban, restricting yard debris fires and fires set to clear land in unincorporated areas
Crossposted from King County Local
With the dry season fast approaching, King County Fire Marshal Eric Urban has issued a Stage 1 Burn Ban for the unincorporated areas of King County. This ban, which prohibits yard debris fires and fires set to clear land, takes effect Monday at 12:01 a.m., June 30.
The ban is being issued in conjunction with the King County Fire Chiefs Association and King County Fire Marshals Association. It does not apply to recreational fires or gas/propane appliances, including grills, pellet smokers, or charcoal grills.
Expected periods of higher temperatures will expand the amount of dry fuel load and reduce the amount of moisture in vegetation in our communities. This in turn increases the risk of an uncontrolled fire when burning yard debris. Read more.
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Our top picks of King County trails to recharge & reconnect
Crossposted from Public Health Insider
By Public Health’s Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Team
Beyond scenic views and fresh air, the trails of King County offer something deeper—a chance to recharge mentally, physically, and even emotionally. And there’s no better time than the gorgeous Puget Sound summer to embrace the outdoors! Here are some of our favorite ways to hike, run, or simply wander among the trees for our own well-being:
- South Tiger Mountain, Middle Fork Snoqualmie, and Twin Falls: “For me, trail running is more than fitness—it’s a mental reset and a way to reconnect with nature. I find adventure and tranquility in this spot just outside Seattle. Each outing is an opportunity recharge,” says Yui Hashimoto, social research scientist.
- Lake to Sound Trail segment that now connects Burien and SeaTac to the Des Moines Creek Trail: “With its elevated boardwalks, wetlands, and over seven miles of peaceful path, it feels like the perfect place to unplug and soak in the beauty of the season. I’m planning to check it out on a weekend walk—just me, some fresh air, and maybe a podcast or two,” says Elizabeth Kimball, HEAL program manager.
Employee News 