Undersheriff Distler and Deputies Meet with the People

Far left, Undersheriff Bruce Distler discusses a wide range of topics under the heading of “safety” at the first of a planned series of “Meet Your Deputies” gatherings of Sheriff’s officers and the public

By Margie Doyle

On Feb. 26, more than 50 people came to the Orcas Senior Center to “Meet the Deputies:” Undersheriff Bruce Distler and other Sheriff’s officers — Deputies Doug Maya, and Herb Crowe and Sergeant Scott Taylor.

Topics of conversation covered topics from bike safety to forest dwellers:

• Vehicle traffic safety
• Gun permits, gun safes and gun locks
• Community Caretaking patrols
• Mediation with adult and student trained volunteers
• Mental Health issues and official Sheriff processes
• Church – Community outreach

“Safety is the key,” Distler emphasized often when discussing the manner in which Sheriff’s Deputies handle situations. He spoke of “officer discretion” in traffic stops and other police  matters.  He described past “Bike Rodeo” community events and suggested the Orcas Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA) may want to undertake such an event. Fire and Rescue Chief Kevin O’Brien confirmed that the Fire Station in Eastsound has bike helmets available. The Sheriff’s Office bike safety pamphlets could be distributed on the ferries to educate visiting cyclists to the rules and circumstances of county bike riding.

“Please remember we’re part of this community; I’m Undersheriff, but I still live up the block,” Distler said. He described the welfare checks safety officers often conduct when neighbors may report not seeing another neighbor for days.

He also promoted the idea of mediator services when there are disputes between neighbors, such as party noise, barking dogs, water flow or similar issues; and suggested that perhaps the local service clubs could provide such mediation. He recalled a forum for parent-child disputes, mediated by an adult-teen mediation team. Those in attendance suggested that the Senior Project required of High School seniors may be tailored to such an undertaking; and Distler also acknowledged the work Julie Pinardi is doing with teens and the Sheriff Department in her capacity as Point Blank Teen Club Advisor and Orcas Island Prevention Partnership member.

Former Sportsman’s Club President Alan Voorhees spoke of the policies at the Sportsman’s Club. The Club offers classes in gun safety, gun storage, home firearms and firearm handling. He emphasized that the Club is a family-oriented organization and that a certified range safety officer oversees activities at the Sportsman’s Club on Enchanted Forest Road at all times. Voorhees encouraged questions to be directed to the club’s website, www.oisc.info or phone 376-5660.

DVSAS Director Anita Castle agreed with Distler as they described the legal process — and the expense — when a mental health issue comes to their attention, and protective custody is called for. Such cases often involve transport off and back on to the island, protective custody and a follow-up plan that may or may not be followed.

When faced with concerns about activity in the neighborhood, Distler said there is often not much that can be done from the law enforcement perspective. But he urged the community to “Make connections, be proactive with the Sheriff ‘s Department and Fire and Rescue personnel.” He and others spoke of the “small town” circumstance where people are reluctant to get involved in a situation with someone they may run into at the grocery store, church or post office.

Those attending the Feb. 26 meeting included health and well-being professionals, ferry workers, fire and rescue volunteers and officers, land stewards, teachers and school employees, retirees, media professionals, service club members, park and recreation commissioners, counselors, members of the “Response to Newtown” consensus group, two children and law enforcement officers.

The event was organized by Orcas Issues and sponsored by the Sheriff’s Department. Similar meetings are planned on a monthly basis by Undersheriff Distler, except for during the summer months. The next meeting is planned for Tuesday, March 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Eastsound Fire Hall, with the focus being on mental health.