It's time for another Sheriff Sit-Down with Mason County Sheriff Ryan Spurling and KMAS' Jeff Slakey, sponsored by Our Community Credit Union and filmed at Fjord Oyster Bank: Mason County Sheriff's Office, Our Community Credit Union, Fjord Oyster Bank 📌 Key Topics Covered: 🔹 Community Engagement & Law Enforcement Support – Sheriff Spurling emphasized how crucial it is for residents to play an active role in public safety, highlighting the impact of citizen involvement, like the use of security cameras to help deputies respond faster. 🔹 Virtual Neighborhood Watch – A new program in development where residents can voluntarily share security camera footage to assist law enforcement in solving crimes. 🔹 Sheriff’s Qualification Bill Concerns – Discussion on proposed state legislation that could remove a locally elected sheriff without voter input, raising concerns about shifting power away from the community. 🔹 Trash Cleanup Efforts & Community Involvement – Mason County citizens and work-release inmates have removed over 173,000 pounds of garbage from local roads, with increasing penalties for littering under consideration in the legislature. 🔹 Homelessness & Public Safety – Addressing how Mason County provides extensive resources for those in need while distinguishing between individuals seeking help and those engaging in criminal behavior. 🔹 Jail Expansion & Public Safety Investment – Updates on Mason County’s efforts to improve jail conditions, collaborate with Grays Harbor County, and incorporate mental health & substance abuse treatment into future facilities. 🔹 Tourism & Seasonal Traffic Awareness – A reminder to residents about the economic benefits of visitors, as well as the importance of patience and safe driving during peak travel seasons. 🔹 DARE Program's Evolution – The modernized DARE program in Mason County teaches kids decision-making skills, moving beyond the "Just Say No" approach of the past. 🎥 Watch the full conversation to hear Sheriff Spurling's take on these key issues and how you can get involved in making Mason County a safer, stronger community! #MasonCounty #SheriffSitDown #PublicSafety #CommunityInvolvement #KMAS