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.
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.
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.
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.
Resource Access Fair District 6: Connect with VSHSL providers in your community, July 19
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections
Are you interested in learning more about the resources and services available in your community?
The Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) Resource Access Team is hosting a series of Resource Access Fairs across King County.
Connect with local organizations and services funded through the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy, and enjoy a day of food, refreshments, and community connections. Read more.
What to know before taking transit to events on July 4!
Crossposted from Metro Matters
Fireworks, parades, picnics and festivals on July Fourth — there’s so much going on! Here’s some things to know before stepping onto transit on July 4 to get to your celebration.
- King County Metro buses are operating on Sunday schedules on July 4 and there are reroutes planned in several areas due to events, such as parades and local festivals in Bellevue, Bothell, Burien, Issaquah, Kent, Kirkland, West Seattle and downtown Seattle. Please check our service advisories for your route before traveling.
- Seattle Streetcar
- The First Hill Line will operate regular service July 4.
- The South Lake Union Line will operate extended service hours July 4. The last streetcar to Lake Union Park will depart at 9:45 p.m. Note: no streetcars will operate during the Lake Union fireworks display, 10:15 p.m. to 10:45 p.m.
- After the fireworks display, extra streetcars will be on hand, with the last trip to downtown Seattle leaving Lake Union Park at about 11:15 p.m.
July 4 closures and notices
We wish all of our employees, their families, and the King County community a safe and wonderful Fourth of July. A few closures and notices will be in effect for the holiday:
King County government offices will be closed to observe Independence Day on Friday, July 4. All offices will be back on schedule Monday, July 7.
On July 4, most Metro Transit buses will operate on Sunday schedules with extra late-night services.
If you have questions about your holiday schedule, please speak to your supervisor. Have a safe and healthy holiday.
Celebrating Excellence: Shannon Nale named Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year
Crossposted from Metro Matters
With great pride, King County Metro announced Thursday the Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year: Shannon Nale, an outstanding Transit Information Processing Specialist.
Shannon, a payroll specialist who works out of Metro’s South Base, was recognized for her excellence by leaders and colleagues in a ceremony at the base, receiving a day off, a dedicated parking spot for the coming year, and plenty of accolades for her honor.
Leaders and team members praised Shannon’s work, saying it’s vital to keeping Metro’s services safe, efficient and accountable. All her work orders are accurate, they said, every record meets the highest standards, and the critical data she collects is trustworthy and complete. Read more.
Sheila Ater Capestany departs Children, Youth, and Young Adult Division; King County leaders gather to recognize her lasting impact
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections
After over a decade with King County Department of Community and Human Services, Sheila Ater Capestany will depart the Children, Youth and Young Adult Division for an exciting new chapter as Executive Director for Start Early Washington.
Ahead of her departure, King County leaders and community members came together to recognize Sheila’s visionary leadership that ushered in one of the largest publicly funded initiatives for babies, young people and families in the country, Best Starts for Kids, and created the Children, Youth, and Young Adult Division. Read more.
Pictured: From left, Former DCHS Department Director Leo Flor, CYYAD Deputy Director Jen Tanaka, King County Executive Shannon Braddock, Departing CYYAD Director Sheila Ater Capestany, and DCHS Department Director Kelly Rider.
Cybersecurity best practices for King County employees
King County employees are reminded to never reuse passwords across accounts and always enable multifactor authentication (MFA), also called two-step authentication.
Recent news of 16 billion exposed credentials has made headlines around the globe. While this is not a new data breach (the list is a compilation of previously leaked credentials from various past incidents), it still serves as an important reminder: following cybersecurity best practices can help protect vital King County systems.
Thank you for doing your part to safeguard King County! For questions or assistance, contact the KCIT Helpdesk.

