Rescue team rigging training at Ravensdale Range
From the King County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Newsletter Recently, a team of deputies, sergeants, and King County Medic One paramedics assigned to the ancillary helicopter rescue team literally hung around at the Ravensdale range for rigging training. Crewmembers worked on tying and using the standard rigging system to anchor themselves and safely move a patient up and down higher angled terrain. They climbed and rappelled from the training tower to reinforce their rescue skills. The helicopter rescue team enjoys a robust partnership with colleagues at King County Medic One. This team, along… Read More
Metro’s Operators of the Month
Did you know your bus driver’s artwork might be displayed on a Metro coach? Or that some of them enjoy working on cars and trucks, running, and biking? Or that they relax playing the stock market and working on taxes? One thing is for sure: They are as unique as the people they provide transportation to every day, and all of them love driving and giving back to their community. Meet your Operators of the Month for September and October 2022 here.
Vanessa Chin named chair of AAAE’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
Cross-posted from Plane Talk Vanessa Chin has been selected as the Chair of the Northwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives’ (AAAE) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE and I) Committee. Vanessa is Business Information Management Manager at King County International Airport. “My whole goal in serving as the chair of the DE and I committee is to establish the human and foundational work of equity and social justice and apply that at the Northwest AAAE,” Chin said. Read more.
Ben Malmstadt, Metro’s 2022 Facilities Employee of the Year
Cross-posted from Metro Matters Ben Malmstadt’s devotion to ensuring clean, safe spaces for riders and the communities has earned him top honors as Metro’s Facilities Employee of the Year for 2022. Malmstadt was honored at a ceremony at Metro’s Atlantic base attended by his family and teammates as well as King County Executive Dow Constantine and Metro Deputy General Manager Michelle Allison. Read more.
KCSO’s newest K9 recruit
Cross-posted from the Sheriff’s Newsletter The King County Sheriff’s Office would like to introduce Quinn, the latest member to join the K9 unit. Quinn is a 20-month-old male Labrador Retriever and comes from a prestigious hunting dog pedigree. Before joining KCSO, Quinn had a career as a featured cover model for Purina. Quinn will start training in October for the narcotics division along with his handler, Detective Travis Gray.
Wellness Hero Skyler Bridges on healing after suicide loss
For Suicide Prevention Awareness month, we are highlighting a King County employee who has made a huge impact in advancing the conversation around suicide. Wellness Hero Skyler Bridges from Department of Assessments talks about his experience losing loved ones to suicide, how he began healing, and why it’s important to talk openly about the struggles he’s encountered. Read more.
Robert Dargan, Metro’s 2022 Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year
Cross-posted from Metro Matters King County Metro recently announced Robert Dargan as the 2022 Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year. He began his career with King County in May 1999 as Transit Mechanic and has been providing excellent service at King County Metro in this position. Dargan was surprised with the honor at a ceremony at Metro’s East Base by King County Executive Dow Constantine, Metro General Manager Terry White, and Vehicle Maintenance leadership staff. Read more.
EAP Counselors destigmatize mental health and suicide
In honor of National Suicide Prevention Awareness month, Balanced You talks with Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counselors about how to support loved ones, and the importance of destigmatizing the conversation around suicide and mental health. To learn more about supporting others and yourself in times of crisis, watch these short videos with EAP counselors Tierra Lovelace and Evie Lewis-McNeil.
DNRP employees receive praise for considerate customer service
Two employees from the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP), Parks Division, were recently highlighted on LinkedIn for the positive and friendly way in which they interacted with a King County resident. While replacing old benches with wood repurposed from parks around the county, carpenters Rob Lohr and Wojciech Maciejewski were approached by a resident who enjoyed their professionalism and courtesy. Here is the original recognition posted on LinkedIn, and here is a brief video of the excellent carpentry work they do.
Simon P. Foster announced as new Director of Housing, Homelessness and Community Development
The King County Department of Community and Human Services recenlty announced Simon P. Foster as the new Division Director for Housing, Homelessness, and Community Development. Foster brings more than a decade of experience leading strategic initiatives, operationalizing programs and policies, and connecting with communities. Foster led teams among a diverse range of industries, including behavioral health, transportation, homelessness, and federal and state funding programs. He most recently led operations for the Salvation Army Northwest Division. Read more.
Employee News 