PORT ANGELES — Clallam County and the Jamestown S’Klallam tribe have teamed up to add a second deputy to enforce tribal and state law in the Blyn area.
County commissioners Tuesday voted 3-0 to approve an interlocal agreement that outlines the arrangement: The Jamestown S’Klallam tribe will use $162,862 in federal Bureau of Indian Affairs funds to support a second deputy in the first year and $100,000 annually in subsequent years.
The agreement gives the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office the flexibility to assign the deputy to backup or routine calls in other parts of the county during staffing shortages and other emergencies.
The Jamestown S’Klallam tribe has most of the same laws as the rest of the state, but deputies need special training on tribal fishing regulations.
Commissioner Mike Chapman thanked Sheriff Bill Benedict and Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ron Allen for their partnership.
Clallam County added its first tribe-funded deputy position in July 2010.
“I think the sheriff has really worked hard to foster a great relationship [with the tribe],” Chapman said.
“This is now the second full-time deputy on top of the funds that we also received from the casino over the years to provide law enforcement. It’s a fairly substantial partnership.”
All-hours patrols
Several deputies will share the all-hours patrols in Blyn.
The agreement for a second deputy allows the Sheriff’s Office to fill a position vacated by recently retired Bobby Cannon, whose deputy position was left unfilled because of the county budget crisis.
Last week, Benedict swore in Laticia Wells, 26, of Tacoma and Joseph Pursley, 31, of Forks.
Both will undergo a 5½-month training regimen in Burien followed by a 3½-month field training program.
Other action
In other board action Tuesday, the commissioners reappointed Peter Ripley, Patsy Feeley and Tanya Ides to the Developmental Disabilities Advisory Committee.
Susan Hillgren, Jean Irvine and Jim Graham were reappointed to the Homelessness Task Force.
Commissioners also presented Mel Rudin a certificate of appreciation for his six years of service on the Clallam County Planning Commission.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
