NEWS

CLALLAM COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

News Releases:
	NEWS RELEASE Day & Date: Friday November 14, 2008 Contact: Sgt Eric R. Kovatch Release: Immediate 360-477-0227 OPNET On Friday morning, November 14, 2008, detectives with the Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team (OPNET) executed a search warrant in the 100 block of D Street in Port Hadlock, WA. OPNET detectives were assisted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency and the United Stated Coast Guard Investigative Service. The search warrant service was the result of an investigation initiated earlier this year by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department into the use and sales of methamphetamine at that residence. The investigation was in response to citizen complaints. Taken into custody at the residence without incident was Tiana Webber, 25 years of age, who resides in the 100 block of D Street, Port Hadlock, WA and Preston J. Smith, 36 years of age, who resides in Clallam County. Three additional adults were in the residence at the time the search warrant was served. They were interviewed and released. Items found in the residence included approximately three-quarters of an ounce of methamphetamine and several thousand dollars in cash. Webber and Smith were subsequently incarcerated in the Jefferson County Correctional Facility on charges of Delivery of a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute. The entire case file will be forwarded to the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office for the formal filing of charges.
	NEWS RELEASE Day & Date: 11/13/08 Release: Immediate Contact: Sgt. Grant Lightfoot Traffic Enforcement and Proposed Speed Limit Change The Sheriff’s Office and Road Department have recently concluded a six day traffic study on East Sequim Bay Road. The study was prompted by recent complaints of speeding vehicles in that area. The traffic study confirmed that the residents on East Sequim Bay Road are rightfully concerned. · The raw count was 1404 and AADT (average daily travel) was 234. · The average speed for all vehicles classified was 44 MPH, with 74.86% of the vehicles exceeding the posted limit. · The 85th percentile was 52.61 MPH · 93% of the vehicles counted, were classified as passenger vehicles, the rest were commercial, some up to 60’ in length. · During peak times, the headway between vehicles was 102.8 seconds, meaning that a vehicle went through the study area about every 100 seconds. This causes a concern for public safety in the Jamestown Tribal center area on the Old Blyn Hwy. Given the speed at the approach to the tribal center, the congestion, foot traffic and parking on both sides of the road, the Sheriff is petitioning, on behalf of the Jamestown Tribe, to have the speed limit changed on the Old Blyn Hwy. The affected area for the proposed 25 MPH speed limit is the 0.00 to .75 area. Essentially, the speed would be lowered from the east side of Jimmy Come Lately Creek, to the intersection of the Old Blyn Hwy and East Sequim Bay Road. The referenced study is attached and a second will be started, directly in front of the tribal center, starting tomorrow. The Sheriff has directed targeted patrols for traffic enforcement on the Old Blyn Hwy, beginning yesterday. Residents and construction workers are urged to voluntarily comply with the 35 MPH posted limit. Voluntary compliance to the traffic code of the State of Washington is the main objective of the Sheriff’s traffic enforcement policy. The proposed speed limit change will go before the Board of County Commissioners on 11/18/08.
	*OPNET* OLYMPIC PENINSULA NARCOTICS ENFORCEMENT TEAM NEWS RELEASE Day & Date: November 2, 2008 Release: immediate Contact: CCD Ron Cameron 360-460-4303 cell MARIJUANA GROW OPERATION Jefferson County Deputies worked together with the Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team to execute a search warrant in Port Ludlow on Friday. Authorities had developed probable cause to search the area surrounding 6990 Oak Bay Road for a marijuana grow operation. The investigators found more than 590 plants in various stages of growth in at least two buildings on several parcels of property at that address. The resident of the address was not home at the time the warrant was served about 9:00 am. Upon confirmation of the large operation, detectives alerted local police agencies that probable cause existed to arrest Gary L. Corman, 56, of that address for manufacturing marijuana. Corman was located a short time later by Sequim Police and arrested. Corman was transported to the Jefferson County Corrections Facility and booked on the charge. The grow operation was sophisticated, utilizing timers and other automatic items to produce high quality marijuana. Originally, investigators were alerted to this grow operation through the Marijauna Hotline, an anonymous reporting process that is referred to the area agencies where the grow is suspected. The reporting party can receive a reward should their information develop into an arrest. Jefferson County Deputies and OPNET were assisted by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Washington State Patrol and the Lower Elwha Tribal Police in the execution of the warrant and processing of the scene. The case is being referred to the Jefferson County Prosecutors Office for review and formal charging of Mr. Corman
	NEWS RELEASE Day & Date: 10/21/08 Release: Immediate Contact: Sergeant Brian J. King Cell: (360) 460-727 TIMBER FELLER CRITICALLY INJURED On 10-21-08 at approximately 1115 hours, 46 year old Forks resident Douglas Larson was critically injured when he was struck by a tree while falling timber on steep terrain off of the D-1000 logging road system approximately 8 miles West of Forks. Larson, a Timber Feller employed by JDL Contracting Inc., was discovered with injuries to his left shoulder and back by fellow co-worker and business owner Jimmy Leppell. Forks Ambulance personnel, Clallam County Sheriff’s Deputies, and Officers from the La Push Police Department and Quileute Fish & Wildlife Enforcement responded to the scene. Due to steep terrain, severity of injury, and remote location of the incident, EMS personnel requested the assistance of the US Coast Guard. A rescue helicopter from US Coast Guard Station Port Angeles was dispatched to the scene along with ground support from US Coast Guard Station Quillayute River. Larson was hoisted from the site by the Coast Guard Helicopter and flown to the Quillayute Airport. The Coast Guard helicopter was met at the airport by Airlift Northwest and Larson was medivacked to the Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries has been contacted and are investigating.
	NEWS RELEASE Day & Date: October 10, 2008 Release: Contact: Undersheriff Ron Peregrin MARIJUANA SMUGGLER CONVICTED Yesterday (October 09, 2008) Mathew Anderson, 37, of Nelson, British Columbia was convicted in Clallam County Superior Court before Judge Williams for conspiracy to smuggle marijuana into the United States from Canada. The Clallam County Prosecutor’s Office successfully brought this case before the court after almost five years of delay and legal argument in the matter. Mathew Anderson was charged as a co-conspirator in a smuggling scheme that landed 530 lbs of marijuana onto Clallam County shores in an area west of Joyce in January 2004. The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Orcas had located two Canadian citizen’s adrift an a 21’ rigid hulled inflatable boat on the morning of January 16, 2004 and after questioning them notified the Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team (OPNET) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Subsequent investigation by OPNET, CGIS and ICE revealed that 530 pounds of BC Bud marijuana had been left in ten hockey bags on a beach area west of Joyce. Investigation also showed that Mat Anderson, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada, was the shore side contact for delivery of the marijuana. This investigation illustrated exceptional working cooperation with both local and international law enforcement agencies and was brought to a successful conclusion through some exceptionally good work from the Clallam County Prosecutor’s Office.
	Olympic National Forest NEWS RELEASE September 25, 2008 1835 Black Lake Blvd. Olympia, WA 98512-5623 * Public Affairs Office (360) 956-2274/2306 * FAX (360) 956-2330 5,000 ATTENDEES EXPECTED AT MONDAY'S MEMORIAL FOR FALLEN USFS OFFICER KRISTINE FAIRBANKS PORT ANGELES, Wash. - In accordance with her family's wishes, a public memorial service with full police honors will be held for Officer Kristine Fairbanks on Monday, Sept.29, at 1:00 p.m. at the Port Angeles Civic Field. The service will last approximately 90 minutes; 5,000 people are expected to attend. "We are humbled and deeply grateful for the outpouring of sympathy and support in the wake of this tragedy," said Olympic National Forest Supervisor Dale Hom. A variety of details for those planning to attend the services are outlined below. Travel to Port Angeles Civic Field People planning to attend the service are urged to arrive early and to use the free shuttle service (described in detail below) from convenient parking areas to Civic Field. The public entrances to Civic Field will open at 11:00 am. People driving to Port Angeles from the east should plan on arriving in Port Angeles no later than 11:00 am, as all westbound traffic on Highway 101 will be stopped at 11:00 am for approximately one hour at Masters Way (near the Port Angeles Wal-Mart.) This closure will accommodate a law enforcement procession scheduled to begin at 11:00 am from the former K-Mart parking lot (Masters Way and Highway 101) east of Port Angeles and travel westbound to Civic Field. In addition, the following streets will be closed on Monday from 8:00 am until the service is concluded. Race Street - between Second and Fifth Streets Francis Street - between Second and Fifth Streets Washington Street - between First and Fifth Streets East Second Street - between Francis and Washington Streets East Fourth Street - between Francis and Chambers Streets Free Parking and Shuttle Service Clallam Transit and the Jamestown S'Klallam tribe are providing free shuttle service from three Port Angeles locations to Civic Field, with buses leaving the following sites every 15 minutes. "Parking is extremely limited in the Civic Field area and we urge all attendees to use the shuttle service provided," emphasized Hom. North Ennis Street - Shuttles depart every 15 minutes from the former Rayonier parking area at the north end of Ennis Street, from 9:00 am - 11:00 am, every 15 minutes. Service from this location will end at 11:00 in order to accommodate the police procession. Front & Oak Street - Shuttles depart every 15 minutes, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Clallam County Fairgrounds, L Street parking area - Shuttles depart every 15 minutes, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm After the service, the shuttles will operate every 15 minutes until all riders have been returned to their vehicles. Clallam Transit will also provide free service from the Forks Transit Center to Civic Field. Two buses will leave Forks at 10:45 am and travel directly to Civic Field and will return to Forks following the ceremony; the regularly scheduled 11:00 bus will also provide service to Civic Field, making its regular stops along the route. Limited parking is available close to Civic Field, along Race and Francis Streets. Handicap accessible parking will be available along Race Street. Ceremony The service will be entirely outdoors; attendees should come prepared for changing autumn weather conditions. A private reception will be held following the service. Live Streaming Video For those people who are unable to attend the service, live streaming video will be available online. Details about this webcast will be forthcoming when available. Officials have arranged for closed-circuit, live coverage of the memorial for the public at the Forks High School gymnasium in Forks, donated by the Quillayute Valley School District, Pencom Information Technology, and Capacity Provisioning, Inc. More Information A phone information center has been established at the Clallam County Emergency Operations Center and is staffed daily from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm at 360-565-2680. Interested groups and individuals are urged to call this number with questions about the service. Expressions of Sympathy and Support Memorial donations may be made to the Kristine Fairbanks Fund at any First Federal Savings and Loan branch; these are listed in area phone books and at the bank website, www.ourfirstfed.com. Cards and letters for Kris Fairbanks' family may be mailed in care of: Olympic National Forest - Pacific Ranger District, 437 Tillicum Lane, Forks,WA 98331 Flowers may be delivered to the Harper Ridgeview Funeral Chapel, 105 West 4^th Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362 Background U.S. Forest Service Officer Kristine Fairbanks was killed Saturday afternoon while on duty in the Olympic National Forest south of Sequim, Wash. Fairbanks was a 22-year veteran of the U.S. Forest Service and was widely respected for her professionalism and dedication. She is survived by her husband Brian and their daughter.
	Joint Law Enforcement Investigation Team Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington State Patrol and Clallam County Sheriff’s Office For Immediate Release Monday, 9/22, 2008 Contacts: Robbi Burroughs, FBI PIO (206) 391-4721 Krista Hedstrom, WSP PIO (360) 265-1332 Jim Borte, CCSD Acting PIO (360) 417-2385 Investigation Update on Events of September 20, 2009 Personnel from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington State Patrol, and the Clallam County Sheriff’s Department are in the process of completing their investigations into the deaths of U.S. Forest Service Officer Kristine Fairbanks, 51 of Forks, Richard Ziegler, 59 of Sequim, and Shawn Matthew Roe, 36 that occurred on Saturday, September 20^th near the city of Sequim in Clallam County, Washington. The events began at 2:22 pm on Saturday, September 20^th when veteran Officer Fairbanks observed a Chevrolet Van without license plates near the Dungeness Forks Campground, southeast of Sequim. She failed to respond to attempts to contact her by the Washington State Patrol Dispatch following her request for information on the driver of the van. Local law enforcement agencies began a search of the area and found Fairbanks dead from at least one gunshot. A photograph of the suspect was distributed to businesses in the area. At 5:45 pm, a citizen reported to law enforcement that a van matching the description believed to be involved in the slaying was parked near the scene of the shooting. At 9:18 that evening, law enforcement received a called from an employee that a person matching the description of the suspect was at the Longhouse Market and Deli on Highway 101, located near the south end of Sequim Bay. Within three minutes of receiving the call, two Clallam County Deputies arrived on scene. They ordered the suspect who had exited the store to put up his hands. There was an exchange of gunfire and Roe was pronounced dead at the scene. Over 20 law enforcement personnel from several agencies participating in the search and investigation responded to the location. Personnel at the scene found an address for the pickup truck being driven by the suspect and responded to that address where they found Mr. Ziegler dead on his property at 83 Jonrey Lane. Autopsies on all three of the deceased individuals were conducted on Monday (9/22). The results from the autopsies and the investigations conducted by the three agencies are pending along with the searches of the vehicles involved. Final investigative reports will to be forwarded to the proper authorities upon their completion. Investigators determined that there are no more further victims in the incident. Reports from citizens regarding the possibility of a young female being seen with the suspect turned out to be unfounded. Services for Officer Fairbanks and Mr. Ziegler are pending.
	NEWS RELEASE Day & Date: September 21, 2008 Release: Immediate Contact: Ron Peregrin GUNSHOT VICTIM On 09/21/08 at about 2200 hours, 59 year old Richard R. Ziegler who was living at 83 Jonrey lane, was found dead as a result from gunshot.
	NEWS RELEASE Day & Date: 9-21-08 Release: immediate PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD On 9-21-08 at 12:00 noon, Sheriff Bill Benedict will hold a press conference regarding the dramatic and sad events that occurred in Clallam County throughout the afternoon and into the evening of 9-20-08. A Forest Service Officer and a citizen from the Sequim area were killed Saturday before deputies shot and killed the suspected assailant at the Longhouse Store along SR 101 near the 7 Cedars Casino east of Sequim. Sheriff Benedict will be joined by various agencies that are participating in the investigation including FBI, the Washington State Patrol and others. The Press Conference will be held at the Sequim Police Department where updates to the investigation will be available.
	NEWS RELEASE Day & Date: 9-16-08 Release: immediate NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING Members of the Crescent Grange in Joyce will be holding a meeting on Wednesday 9-17-08 at the Grange Hall on SR 112 in Joyce. A potluck will precede the meeting starting at 6:30, with speakers beginning at 7:15. The main topic for the evening will be Neighborhood Watch. Speakers will include Sheriff Benedict and other members of the Clallam County Sheriffs Department including personnel from the Crime Prevention Section. Code Enforcement Officer Tony Polizzi from the Clallam County Dept. of Community Development will also be there. The Joyce area was utilized in 2006 / 2007 as the initial location by Clallam County Officials as an area to concentrate Problem Oriented Police Practices where not only law enforcement was used to arrest criminals, but other solutions such as code enforcement and neighbor watch programs were set into place to deter criminal activity. The project brought a community and area agencies together to work together to help come up with solutions to problems that concerned this area for some time. All are welcome to attend the meeting.
	NEWS RELEASE Phase I Jail Remodel Reaches Completion Day & Date: September 11, 2008 Release: Immediate Contact: Ron Sukert Jail Supt. 417-2356 Sheriff Bill Benedict announced this morning that the long anticipated opening date for the thirty newly created jail beds is upon us. Today, as final inspections and last minute adjustments are made by contractors and maintenance staff, plans by Corrections Personnel are underway to occupy the newly remodeled wing. It is anticipated that the facility will be fully operational by Monday September 15^,2008. The opening of the newly created bed space represents the completion of Phase I of the County’s five phase jail construction plans, and will help to relieve some of the generally crowed conditions at the jail. Construction on the project began in January of this year with the demolition of the interior of the former Work Release area. A new area for female prisoner housing was created as was a Sheriff’s Chain Gang housing unit. The exterior of the facility has been hardened from the former minimum security housing design and is now capable of housing medium security prisoners. Sheriff Benedict recognizes the collective efforts of the entire project team which includes Corrections Personnel, Building Officials, Maintenance staff, the Board of County Commissioners as well as other design and consultant members.
	NEWS RELEASE Day & Date: 9-5-08 Release: immediate Contact: CCD Ron Cameron 360-460-4303 NEWEST DEPUTY GRADUATES Deputy Shane Martin of the Clallam County Sheriffs Department graduated from the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy in Burien this week. Sheriff Benedict, Sgt. Brian King as well as Deputy Martin’s family attended the ceremony on Wednesday afternoon as Recruit Shane Martin became officially, Deputy Shane Martin and a certified Peace Office in the State of Washington. All new deputies and police officers are required to attend the rigorous 19 week course where students learn many aspects of being a law enforcement officer. Basic fundamentals in Criminal Law, Criminal Procedures, Patrol Procedures, Traffic, Defensive Tactics, Firearms and more are taught during the academy in which the student is constantly evaluated. Some students do not make it and are let go during the training by academy staff and the officers home agencies. Deputy Martin not only did well in Class #630, but was elected class president and gave a salutatory speech at the ceremony. But his training does not end there. Deputy Martin will spend about the next three months assigned to Field Training Officers of the Clallam County Sheriffs Department. These specially trained deputies with invaluable experience are tasked with on the job training of the new officers. Deputy Martin will once again spend each day being evaluated on his decision making abilities, performance, appearance and interaction with the public before being released on his own to handle calls. Deputy Martin’s field training process will take place mostly in the east end areas of the county but his permanent assignment will be in the west end detachments where he will assume his position with Sgt. King’s team in Forks / Clallam Bay sometime in December. Deputy Martin graduated from Port Angeles High School in 2003. Shane enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he attained the rank of Sgt. before being discharged in September of 2007. While in the Marine Corps, he received the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Ribbon (Iraq), Sea Service Deployment Award, Iraq Campaign Medal, and other awards and commendations. Deputy Martin, his wife Brittany and their son Braydon are currently living in the Port Angeles area but will be relocating to Forks upon his transfer for permanent assignment. Sheriff Benedict and Deputy Martin are joined by Chief Criminal Deputy Ron Cameron and Sgt. Brian King for a post graduation photo.
	NEWS RELEASE Day & Date: Tuesday August 12, 2008 Contact: Detective Mike Grall Release: Immediate 360-461-1001 Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team (OPNET) On Tuesday August 12, 2008, detectives from the Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team (OPNET) executed a search warrant in the 700 block of West 6th Street in Port Angeles. OPNET detectives were assisted by members of the Port Angeles Police Department, Clallam County Sheriff’s Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Coast Guard Investigative Service and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. OPNET detectives had conducted an investigation into the use and sales of controlled substances from this residence over a period of time. Based upon that investigation, a Clallam County Superior Court Judge authorized the search of the residence. When the search warrant was served, two adults were located inside the residence, arrested and booked into the Clallam County Correctional Facility: Robert J. Kalfur, 20 years of age and Jacob E. Davis, 19 years of age, both of Port Angeles. Both Kalfur and Davis were booked on the charges of Delivery of a Controlled Substance (cocaine), possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, (cocaine, marijuana and ecstasy) and Unlawful Use of a Building for Drug Purposes. Charges will be referred to the Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney.
	NEWS RELEASE Day & Date: 08-06-08 Release: Immediate Contact: Det. Sgt. Lyman Moores SEARCH AND RESCUE TECHNICAL RESCUE On 08-06-08 members of the Clallam County Search and Rescue (SAR) team rescued a six year old German Shepard, named Mia, from an eighty foot cliff, overlooking Sequim Bay. Dan Abshire, a resident of E. Sequim Bay Road, called Clallam County Animal Control Officer Tracey Kellas requesting assistance in rescuing a family member’s dog which had been stranded on a cliff overlooking Sequim Bay. Kellas called SAR for to help rescue the dog. The dog was in a life threatening situation, in extreme danger of falling. The animal was stranded on the edge of the cliff for about five hours before members of the search and rescue technical climbing team were able to reach the dog and hoist it off the edge of the cliff and deliver the dog to its owner. SAR technical rescue team members Mike Tyler and Greg Voyles were lowered by rope about eighty feet to where the dog was stranded on the cliff’s edge and were able to place the dog into a specially made dog harness and then all three were hoisted back to safety. Family members clapped and cheered as their family pet safely reached the top. All the family members were extremely grateful for the heroic efforts the SAR members put forth in saving the life of their dog. This was the third time in the past month that members of the Clallam County Search and Rescue Team have been called out to assist the citizens of Clallam County. The Clallam County Search and Rescue (SAR) serve as a valuable asset to the citizens of Clallam County and provide a much needed and valuable service to the community. Except for two members of the Sheriff’s Department, all members of the SAR team are volunteers. Anyone interested in becoming a member of Clallam County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue can pick up an application at the Sheriff’s Department. SAR meetings are held twice monthly at the Courthouse.
	NEWS RELEASE Drive Hammered... Get Nailed Video Day & Date: 8-05-08
	NEWS RELEASE Day & Date: 6-26-08 Release: immediate Contact: CCD Ron Cameron 360-417-2570 360-460-4303 FIREWORKS LAWS Clallam County Sheriff Bill Benedict wishes to inform our citizen’s concerning this year’s rule, laws and regulations pertaining to fireworks usage in Clallam County. All citizens are asked to use caution when purchasing and using any fireworks. Don’t take any chances, be sure the fireworks you buy are legal to possess and to discharge. Legal fireworks include: Novelty and smoke items Sparklers and spinners Multi aerials Helicopters Cones and fountains Wheels Roman candles Reloadable mortars 1 3/4” or smaller The State Fire Marshal declares that firecrackers, chasers, bottle rockets and missiles are all legal only on those tribal lands that allow them, not off of Tribal properties. M-80’s, cherry bombs, tennis ball bombs or any legal fireworks that have been altered, enhanced or modified in any way are considered “Illegal Explosive Devices” which is a felony crime to possess. Dates and time fireworks can be discharged in areas with no ban or restrictions are: June 28^th Noon to 11:00 pm June 29^th through July 3^rd 9:00 am to 11:00 pm July 4 9:00 am to midnight July 5^th 9:00 am to 11:00 pm. Every year deputies are extremely busy responding to fireworks calls throughout the county so those citizen’s calling for law enforcement response to fireworks complaints are asked to be patient. The Sheriff’s Office has scheduled extra deputies on patrol for the 4^th including our west end areas to help minimize the time for responding to all calls. Remember, to be careful and use only legal fireworks during the authorized dates and times. Clallam County is listed as the 5^th ranked state in the entire United States for having a catastrophic fire event because of the amount of urban development that borders State and Federal forest lands. Our county is also the number #1 ranked county in the entire state for the same reason. The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office will be working closely with Fire District personnel and our other sister agencies to ensure a safe and sane 4^th of July holiday for all of our citizens and visitor’s to our area.
	NEWS RELEASE Day & Date: 06/4/08 Release: Immediate Contact: Det. Sgt. Lyman Moores (360) 417-2388 SEARCH & RESCUE AMBULANCE DONATION On 06/23/08 Bill Littlejohn, owner of Olympic Ambulance in Sequim donated a ambulance to the Clallam County Sheriff’s Department to be used for Clallam County Search and Rescue operations. Bill Littlejohn met with Sheriff Bill Benedict at Olympic Ambulance headquarters on Hendrickson Road in Sequim and in a private gathering, which included a few members of the Clallam County Search and Rescue Team and turned over the keys to the van. Before releasing the vehicle to the Sheriff’s Department, Olympic Ambulance maintenance crews completely serviced and detailed the vehicle to assure it was in tip top condition. The ambulance will be repainted with the Sheriff’s department colors and logos and then turned over to Clallam County Search and Rescue, to be used in field operations throughout the county. The Clallam County Search and Rescue (SAR) had been looking to replace one of their SAR vehicles and Bill Littlejohn offered to donate one of his ambulances as a replacement vehicle, at no cost to the department. The gracious donation to the Sheriff’s Department not only saved the Clallam County Search and Rescue the expense of buying a replacement vehicle, saving the county tax payers thousands of dollars, it also shows the overwhelming support that Bill Littlejohn has for the community in which he lives in. Clallam County Search and Rescue is a function of the Sheriff’s Department that is vital to the safety of its citizens and thousands of visitors who visit Clallam County each year. Clallam County Search and Rescue is a volunteer organization that responds to emergency urban or wilderness search and rescue calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in Clallam County. Clallam County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue is dedicated to safely and efficiently responding to emergency situations involving lost, overdue, or imperiled persons requiring emergency help/response. Clallam County Search and Rescue constantly strives to maintain emergency rescue equipment and highly trained personnel to carry out SAR missions and serve the citizens of Clallam County as well as the thousands of visitors to our beautiful community. SAR members are trained and tested to national search and rescue standards and train year round to stay proficient for the numerous and specialized tasks they maybe required to perform throughout the year. Clallam County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue is very excited about the donation of the ambulance and after the ambulance is painted, it will be equipped with technical gear and put immediately into SAR field operations.