Submitted by Ron Krebs
I was elected sheriff of San Juan County three years ago and I am excited to announce that I’ll be running for re-election this November.
As sheriff, I’ve worked hard to promote and encourage a safer community. I’ve implemented the core beliefs of protect and serve, set higher standards of achievement throughout the department and I am proud of the way my staff embrace these beliefs and the impact they are having throughout the county.
This new culture has greatly improved employee satisfaction and morale.
During the short time I’ve been in office, so many things have been accomplished including:
• A community policing program aimed at educating the public and promoting a safe community.
• A creation of a training and inter-agency use program for the state-of-the-art sheriff’s boats Guardian and Sentinel, allowing them to be fully utilized throughout the county.
• Strengthening ties with local, state and government agencies allowing greater access to their services and assistance.
• A new, negotiated jail contract that not only saves the county money but also offers greater access to medical and mental health treatment and support for inmates.
• Working closely with elected town and county officials has resulted in the successful negotiation of a much-needed budget increase to add additional staff to my department. We are now able to have two on-duty dispatchers, 24/7, providing greater safety for both my officers and the public. An additional sergeant and deputy were added on Orcas, as well as administrative support staff in Friday Harbor. When re-elected, I will continue to diligently look for ways to improve the department and the services we provide.
Looking forward to the next term, drugs and the drug problem will remain a top priority. We’ve made many arrests, and there have been many convictions, but our work is not done. Our officers now carry Narcan, and I’m working to have a drug K-9 unit in the county by the end of the year. I’ll continue my involvement with local community service agencies to promote awareness and their efforts to find support and treatment options for substance abusers and victims of domestic violence.
One of my proudest accomplishments while in office is the team of officers, dispatchers and support staff that I have assembled. These men and women are some of the most dedicated, hardworking individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure to be associated with, and I could not be prouder of their daily contributions to our communities. I will continue to listen and support them in every way possible.
It is an honor to serve this county, and I look forward to the next four years with great anticipation. Although much has been accomplished I have much more to do and I hope I have the opportunity, and privilege, to continue to serve as your sheriff.
Vote to re-elect me, Ron Krebs, for sheriff this November.
