Cross-posted from the Sheriff’s Office Weekly Newsletter Local TV personality and host of Community Conversations, Tony Ventrella, recently met with Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall for an episode of Community Conversations, produced by King County TV. Their discussion covered a variety of topics including recruiting efforts by the department, community engagement, and collaboration with local organizations. Watch the entire episode below.

Updated Sept. 22, 2022 As more employees return to downtown workspaces, additional patrols by King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) deputies around the downtown civic campus are making the area a more welcoming space for employees and community members. Sheriff’s deputies are providing regular patrols on foot and bicycle between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. The three priorities for these patrols are: In addition to public safety, these deputies and sergeants have also helped people who are returning downtown for work and visiting with things like directions to local businesses… Read More

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and it’s a reminder for all of us of the importance of checking in on each other and seeking support in times of crisis. This year, the new 988 number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline went into effect. Too many people are experiencing suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need, and sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic only increased the mental health challenges we face. 988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That… Read More

National Recovery Month celebrates all those on a recovery journey and spreads a message of hope to people, families, and communities. At King County Department of Community and Human Services, particularly the Behavioral Health and Recovery Division, our shared vision is to ensure that everyone in King County has a path to achieving and sustaining recovery to live full and healthy lives. Read more.

Cross-posted from Executive Services Express Representatives from community and ethnic media outlets met with regional public information officers and communication professionals recently to develop better relationships and improve communication to all communities in the King County region. More than 90 people attended the open house, coordinated by King County’s Office of Emergency Management and the Department of Natural Resources and Parks. Read more.

As a King County employee, you might be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The U.S. Department of Education is allowing a one-time exception to give borrowers credit for payments that may not have qualified in the past for forgiveness. Please forward your completed application form to your department payroll representatives for verification. The deadline for submission is Monday, Oct. 31, 2022. Please note, PSLF is different from the one-time student loan debt relief of up to $20,000. PSLF is a program for people who work in public service in federal, state, tribal,… Read More

Cross-posted from Executive Services Express Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) leaders and staff know that helping pets and people go hand (or paw) in hand, so to speak. To that end, they recently hosted the ElleVet Project, a non-profit organization that travels to various locations to help pets of people without housing. Read more.

Cross-posted from Plane Talk Mack Rutherford, who turned 17 while flying around the world, stopped at King County International Airport (KCIA) in early August on his way to breaking the record of the youngest person to fly solo around the world. Mack was greeted by David Decoteau, KCIA Deputy Director. Mack’s sister, Zara, also stopped at KCIA on her record-setting journey last year, when she was 19. Mack has now claimed two Guinness World Records, according to the Associated Press. Along with becoming the youngest person to fly around the world by himself, he is… Read More