King County Sheriff’s detectives announced Friday (Aug. 27) that they are seeking the public’s help in solving a 2001 White Center homicide that occurred on Aug. 28, 2001, exactly nine years ago Saturday.
Specifically, they at least hope to find the White Center house where the suspect took the victim and her sister prior to fatally shooting one of them on a street corner.
Case History: Crystal Vaughn (age 29 at the time) and her sister Misty were drinking beer at a bus stop in White Center when they were contacted by the suspect. They went back to the suspect’s house for a drink. An argument ensued and the sisters were driven back to the area of SW 101st and 15th Ave SW.
The argument continued between the suspect and Crystal. The sisters were out of the man’s car and walking away when he pulled up next to them and shot Crystal three times. She died at the scene.
Click map to see larger version.
Suspect’s Residence: The house was about a mile or so away from where the women were first approached, generally in the area of the 3700 block of SW 106th, unincorporated King County in the White Center neighborhood.
The women were asked to remove their shoes when they came in. The man said his “niece was sleeping” and to they had to be quiet. The interior of the house was neat and tidy, and there were children’s toys in the house.
There was a large stereo and a CD collection, as well as a free standing stove or fireplace in the living room. The women were served brandy to drink.
Click sketch to see larger version.
Suspect Description: A black male about 27 to 35 years old. He was “big” and 6’ to 6” 3” tall. He smoked Marlboro Red cigarettes.
Click sketch to see larger version.
Vehicle Description: A black or possible dark green SUV, similar to a Chev Tahoe. There was a dolphin display on the stereo face. The front seat might have been a “bench seat” and the seats were possibly leather.
Click sketch to see larger version.
The public can also view other drawings on KCSO’s website beginning this afternoon.
Anyone with information, especially on the house, is asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 9-1-1.
King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks announced Friday (Aug. 13th) that, due to serious vandalism that caused unsafe conditions, they’ve closed the recently-opened SW 98th Street corridor, which runs between the Greenbridge community and the Central Business District.
The county says that vandals have ripped out the stainless steel railing and knocked out lights along the corridor, which was just opened in mid-July. The corridor’s steep stairway is unsafe for use at night without the lights and handrails, however the ADA-accessible ramp that runs through the corridor remains open. The area was also vandalized with graffiti.
Here’s the county’s full announcement:
A recently completed pedestrian corridor connecting new homes and a growing commercial area in the White Center neighborhood has been so badly vandalized that King County must close it for safety reasons.
Vandals ripped out the stainless steel railing and knocked out lights along the 98th Street Corridor, which was just opened in mid July. The corridor’s steep stairway is unsafe for use at night without the lights and handrails, however the ADA-accessible ramp that runs through the corridor remains open. The area was also vandalized with graffiti.
The 98th Street Corridor sits between the new Greenbridge community and the Central Business District along Southwest 98th Street. The corridor was developed as a result of the Land Use, Transportation, Air Quality and Health Study, which found that people who live in walkable communities are healthier.
King County collaborated with the White Center Community Development Association on the project. More information is available at http://www.kingcounty.gov/exec/whitecenter.aspx.
The Seattle Police Department reported early Wednesday morning (Aug. 11) that they’ve arrested a 50-year old male suspect in the recent “smash-and-grab” crime sprees that hit small businesses in an area from Burien north into West Seattle.
The suspect is alleged to have been responsible for at least 40 similar burglaries since July 1st (we’ve been following these cases closely – read our previous coverage here).
Here’s the report from SPD:
On August 11th, at approximately 2:30 AM, Seattle Police and King County Sheriff detectives working in conjunction on a series of commercial “smash and grab” burglaries, arrested a 50-year old male for a burglary in the Burien area.
This suspect is believed to be responsible for at least 40 similar type burglaries in the West Seattle and Burien area since July 1st.
Detectives from the two agencies will continue to follow up on these burglaries as they put together their cases for prosecution.
The suspect was booked into the King County Jail for Investigation of Burglary.
The King County Sheriff’s Department reports that they found Carl Wallace, age 58 and suffering from dementia, Friday night (July 16) in Grants Pass, Oregon.
Wallace was found safe, with his vehicle and dog “Frankie.”
He was first reported missing from the Burien area on Friday July 16th:
PREVIOUSLY:
On Friday (July 16) the King County Sheriff’s Department sent out word that they’re seeking the public’s help in finding 58-year old Carl Wallace, last seen in Burien.
According to police, he was last seen Thursday (July 15th) in the Burien area, and might be intending to drive to California.
Wallace suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease, and is in the area from Idaho for medical treatment.
The missing man has little gas, no credit or debit cards, little money, and did not know how to get to the freeway from Burien.
He is likely driving a black, 1990 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, Idaho license 1AEB756.
His dog “Frankie” is with him, a brown and white border collie, weighing about 40 lbs.
Wallace is 5’ 7” tall, 180 lbs., and gray hair, blue eyes, and a full beard.
He has a tattoo on his left forearm of purple roses with “Carl + Betty.” He is wearing a gray shirt, tan shorts, tan boat shoes, and might have a purple sweater.
If anyone sees Carl Wallace they should call 9-1-1 or the Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours).
58-year old Carl Wallace, who suffers from Alzheimer's, was last seen in Burien on Thursday, July 15. He now has a beard, and is likely driving a black, 1990 Chevrolet Silverado pickup, Idaho license #: 1AEB756.
White Center’s Evergreen High School is at the center of attention again, and this time seems even worse – a Level 3 sex offender named Lashawn Jamar Ferguson, a convicted rapist, has been fired after serving as a volunteer for the football team.
This is the second sexually-related incident to taint the school’s athletics program. As we reported May 18th, another volunteer, Jayson Boehm, was alleged to have provided health care to student athletes without appropriate medical supervision, as well as possibly fondling some male athletes. He was fired and barred from school grounds. Ferguson was escorted off campus, according to the Highline School District.
Ferguson, convicted of rape in 1998, is now being held without bail in the King County Jail for failure to register as a sex offender.
Evergreen High School is located at 830 SW 116th Street.
Our friends at KING-TV produced this video report on this story:
The King County Sheriff’s Department says that an early-morning crash in White Center took the life of a 23 year-old Des Moines man, who was killed when his car left the roadway and struck a tree.
He died shortly after he was taken to Harborview Medical Center.
The incident happened about 1:15am Thursday morning (June 10), and witnesses reported seeing the man leave the Mt. View Elementary School parking lot at a high rate of speed. The school is located in White Center at SW 108th and 12th Ave SW.
When the vehicle got to the 800 block of SW 108th it crossed over into the westbound lane, where it struck a raised curb and a large tree. The collision caused massive damage to the left front of the car, a 1995 Ford Explorer.
No other vehicles were involved in the collision, and the man’s identity has not yet been released.
Detectives believe alcohol was a contributing factor.
We just received word from Highline Public Schools that they are investigating allegations that Jayson Boehm, a one-time volunteer for Evergreen High School athletic teams, provided health care to student athletes without appropriate medical supervision, as well as possibly fondling some male athletes.
Upon learning of the allegations, the district fired Boehm and barred him from school property.
According to the district, the allegations against Boehm came to light through two sources:
- A school nurse alerted her supervisor when she noticed that Boehm had written a medical excuse for a student.
- At the same time, a King County Sheriff’s detective alerted the district of their investigation into allegations that Boehm inappropriately examined an athlete in a Police Athletic League boxing competition in White Center (read our coverage of that event here). The athlete is an adult and not a student.
The district says that the King County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Health have been investigating Boehm’s conduct. The district is cooperating with these agencies and has launched its own investigation, taking the following actions:
- Identifying an outside investigator to continue the investigation.
- Contracted with WIAA to conduct a full audit of the management of high school and middle school athletic programs and pledged to fully comply with the recommendations of WIAA.
- Placed the district athletic director and a high school athletic director on administrative leave until the conclusion of the investigation.
- Informing parents of all students who received physicals from Boehm. Parents of students participating in spring sports were immediately informed by personal phone call.
- Arranged for all affected athletes to receive physicals from the Highline Youth Health Center at district expense.
“Student safety is our highest priority,” said Superintendent John Welch. “We are committed to making any changes necessary to ensure the protection and well-being of all students participating in our programs.”
As a substitute stadium manager, Boehm was to provide logistical support for activities at Highline’s Memorial Field in Burien. He had also been contracted to provide first aid at athletic events and to give first aid training to coaches and PE teachers, which he was qualified to do as a licensed Emergency Medical Technician.
Boehm had also served as a substitute stadium manager at Highline Stadium in Burien.
The King County Sheriff’s Department says that a shooting early Saturday morning (May 15) about 2:30am left a man dead in a White Center street.
The male victim was found in the eastbound lanes of the 1500 block of SW Roxbury Street. He was dead when police arrived after receiving a 9-1-1 call about a shooting. He was shot at least once, and in his early 20s.
According to a witness who was driving by and heard several gunshots, the man stumbled out of an alley and collapsed in the street. There were numerous people in the alley, but most were gone when Sheriff’s deputies arrived, just minutes later.
No one has come forward who actually witnessed the shooting.
If anyone has information about this incident, they are asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 9-1-1.
At Monday night’s (May 3) meeting, the Burien City Council honored mentally-challenged Jeff Kearney, the victim of a hit-and-run in White Center, with a reading of a proclamation in his honor.
Accompanied by Discover Burien Event Coordinator Debra George and Mike Lindorff, his legal guardian and uncle, Kearney stood in front of the council with the aide of a walker.
After Mayor Joan McGilton read the proclamation aloud, Kearney not only received a standing ovation, he also got a huge hug from councilmember Kathy Keene.
Here’s the proclamation:
PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON
A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON, HONORING Jeff Kearney
WHEREAS, Jeff worked endlessly for Discover Burien keeping our city free of debris and trash. He rounded up stray shopping carts and helped out at many community events including Clean Sweep, Father’s Day Car Show, 4th of July Parade, Boo in Burien, Oktoberfest, and Winterfest.
WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney volunteered his time for the City of Burien and Discover Burien Farmers Market setting up tables, helping vendors set up their booths and helping Debra George with additional tasks.
WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney would say “Can I have just one hug”……everyone who knows Jeff knows that all he wants at the end of the day is a hug from his friends.
WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney never forgot the name of anyone he met, nor the names of their husband, brother, sister, mother, children, pets or friends.
WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney is an ambassador of Burien and White Center.
WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney survived despite all odds. The victim of a hit and run accident on November 17th, 2009, Jeff continues to fight to gain back the ability to walk, talk and live his life again. For this Jeff, we wish you all the best in your continued recuperation.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON, DOES HEREBY ASK ALL BURIEN CITIZENS TO JOIN TOGETHER TO HONOR Jeff Kearney
For his friendly face, endless amount of energy, can-do attitude and commitment to the City of Burien community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Burien City Council urges all citizens and Business owners to join us in our expression of appreciation for his dedication and invaluable service to Burien’s Community.
Dated this 3rd day of May, 2010.
Mayor Joan McGilton
Deputy Mayor Rose Clark
Councilmember Brian Bennett
Councilmember Jack Block, Jr.
Councilmember Lucy Krakowiak
Councilmember Kathy Keene
Councilmember Gordon Shaw
City of Burien
Joan McGilton
Mayor
Here are photos from Monday night’s ceremony as taken by Scott Schaefer
With the aid of his "boss" Debra George and a walker, Jeff stood up in front of the council.
Jeff listens to Mayor McGilton read the proclamation as his Uncle Mike Lindorff, Debra George and Lucky Krakowiak look on.
After receiving a standing ovation from the crowd, Jeff also received a huge hug from councilmember Kathy Keene.
Jeff was all smiles after being honored by the city for which he has worked so hard.
Jeff was the victim of a hit-and-run in a White Center crosswalk at 16th SW and SW 106th in November. He went in to a temporary coma, suffering from brain trauma, multiple broken bones and other injuries. His recovery slowly continues over the months as he fights to re-learn to walk and perform basic daily functions.
Kearney, a White Center resident, has worked for years as part of Burien Team Clean Sweep, which is part of the nonprofit Discover Burien Association. A familiar face around Burien and White Center, he has volunteered untold hours at community events, ranging from the Father’s Day Car Show to Winterfest to the Burien Farmers Market.
Sadly, the hit-and-run driver is still at large. Discover Burien is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the responsible person. Anyone having information should contact the King County Sheriff’s Office at 206-296-3311 or 911.
The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:
- GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
- Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
- Suburban: 1992-1999
- GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
- Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999
If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.
Read our previous coverage on Jeff’s story here.
UPDATE 3/31/10: According to KING5 News (see video below), King County Sheriff’s Officers tracked down and arrested three suspects from Tuesday’s wild burglary chase in White Center.
Police got a tip that led them to a motel where they found the suspects, a possible getaway vehicle as well as stolen merchandise.
As we reported from the scene Tuesday near the intersection of 18th SW and SW 107th, police had barricaded streets, brought in a K-9 unit and chopper, and were scouring the neighborhood in body armor while carrying some rather intimidating rifles.
Reports are that the burglars were caught red-handed in a house, then challenged by gun and machete-toting homeowners who chased them down.
Here’s KING’s report:
PREVIOUSLY:
Late Tuesday morning (March 30), the King County Sheriff’s Department and Seattle Police had a major show of force near the intersection of 18th Ave SW and SW 107th Streets in White Center, as they searched for two burglar suspects who were trying to rob a nearby home.
According to Sgt. John Urquhart of the Sheriff’s office, three burglars were caught red-handed when homeowners walked in and interrupted a robbery in progress. Two of them fled the scene and one was arrested.
Reports are that one of them may live in the area or may be hiding in a nearby home.
Streets were blocked off, the Sheriff’s “Guardian One” chopper hovered overhead, a K-9 unit was brought in and several police officers were seen carrying M-16 rifles as they combed the area searching for the remaining two suspects.
“I was on the phone with my homegirl,” said a bystander named Richard. “…they were driving through with a truck, got stuck in the mud, got out, started waving guns, she called the cops and stuff like that…”
Our own Bart Bryan was on the scene to capture the following video and photos:
| Mar |
| 31 |
| 6:30 pm |
The White Center Chamber of Commerce, partnering with the White Center Community Development Association (WCCDA), will be hosting a forum for area restaurant, tavern and store business owners Wed. night to consider how to restrict the sale of alcohol to the area’s chronic alcoholic population.
The forum will be held this Wednesday, March 31st beginning at 6:30pm at the Triangle Tavern, 9454 16th Ave. SW.
This forum will be used to consider chronic alcoholic management options, including an Alcohol Impact Area (AIA) Designation for White Center.
The forum, entitled “Options for Managing Homeless, Chronic Alcoholics in White Center”, will include information from the King County Sheriffs, the Seattle Police Department, and the Washington State Liquor Control Board. It will address options for White Center, including:
- An Alcohol Impact Area designation where sales of specific brands most often used by chronic alcoholics are restricted by law
- An alternative Good Neighbor Policy, where businesses collectively sign, and agree to follow a voluntary restriction on the sale of these same products to the chronic alcoholic population
- Other options identified by participants. The forum is open to the public.
“As business owners and residents know, the chronic alcoholic population is expanding here in White Center. Our Chamber, working with our CDA, is the appropriate vehicle to consider the policy options that are available to us” stated Mark Ufkes, newly elected White Center Chamber President who will moderate the forum.
According to Ufkes, in a recent late night inventory of alcohol related trash in White Center, volunteer boy scouts confirmed that 90% of the empty alcohol containers in the alleys of the White Center business district were products made specifically for the chronic alcoholic population. One scout pointed out, “one 24-ounce can has the alcohol equivalent of five cans of beer and its sells for 99 cents in several White Center stores.”
This forum, the first in a series, is hosted by Geoffrey “Mac” McElroy, owner of the Mac’s Triangle Pub.
“As a tavern owner, Mac knows the challenges we face with this issue first hand, and sees how it is impacting the business environment in White Center” Ufkes went on; “Mac immediately opened his business to host the meeting because he saw the importance of all business owners working together to get a handle on it”
Development of an alcohol monitoring strategy, to reduce the number of chronic alcoholics living on White Center streets is one of the newly identified priorities for the White Center Chamber of Commerce.
Ufkes, working closely with newly elected Chamber Vice President Frank Cantwell, and a group of new Chamber Board members, are all committed to ensuring that a formal policy to address chronic alcoholism is developed through community involvement, and then effectively implemented.
So…what do YOU think? Should White Center implement an “Alcohol Impact Area” designation that prohibits the sale of specific alcohol brands? Please take our Poll or leave a Comment below…
[Photo of "Cheap Beer" neon sign shot at the Shorewood Market by Scott Schaefer]
Loading ...
The Kent Police Department has created a website showcasing photos of 160 recovered stolen items including electronics, wallets, purses, backpacks, stereos, baby clothes and even a wedding dress; some of which may have been originally swiped in the White Center/unincorporated South King County area.
According to police, a man and woman who are suspected of breaking into more than 100 cars have been busted. Now, they want to return the stolen items to their rightful owners.
The suspects were apparently caught when they used stolen credit cards at local businesses. Police then followed their trail and recovered the stolen stuff in a storage locker as well as at local pawn shops.
According to the website:
Suspects Mode of Operation:
Type of crime: Vehicle prowls (car break ins)
Method of entry: Break window or force door lock
Types of vehicles: Different types and styles but they favored FORD F-series trucks
Property targeted: luggage, purses, laptop computers, GPS units, assorted tools, backpacks, cameras, MP3 players, I-Pods, cell phones, CD players, car stereos, jewelry, anything of value.
Estimated time range of criminal activity: Past 3-4 months
Focus area of vehicle prowl activity: Kent, Tukwila, Renton, SeaTac, Burien, South Seattle, Unincorporated areas of South King County. Collateral areas that may have been impacted as well are: Des Moines, Federal Way, Auburn, Bellevue.
If you were the victim of a car break-in between Oct. 1, 2009 and Feb. 4, 2010, your stolen items may be in police custody – check this website now and see if you recognize anything; if you do, contact Officer Bateman at (253) 856-5894 or via email: kbateman@ci.kent.wa.us.
The recovered stolen property includes (click on links below to see individual pics):
Is this your Pirate Stuff? The Kent PD might have it...
- Laptops
- Cell phones
- MP3 players
- Car Stereos
- Unusual, miscellaneous stuff like:
Some items have been claimed and returned, but most are still in evidence and awaiting rightful return to their owners – so check out the website here.
| Mar |
| 9 |
| 6:00 pm |
King County Sheriff Sue Rahr, along with other public safety officials, will be giving a special presentation on Tuesday, March 9th from 6pm – 8pm at the South Park Community Center, just down the hill from White Center.
The purpose of this meeting is to address area safety issues, especially gang activity.
Sheriff Rahr will be joined by Jaime Mendez from Univision Seattle TV and La Voz de Washington radio, along with other local gang prevention specialists to talk to Latino families in the community about keeping their kids out of gangs. King County Deputy and Burien Police Officer Joe Gagliardi, a regional expert on gangs and gang activity, will give a visual presentation that will be simultaneously translated for the audience by Mendez.
Mendez, a local Latino radio and television news personality, is also the voice and face of a series of Spanish language radio and television commercials that the Sheriff’s Office has been running which identify the signs of gang involvement that families need to look for.
“We have to make an effort to talk to every community – and language and culture cannot be our excuse not to reach out and do something,” notes Sheriff Rahr.
The Sheriff’s Office E-911 Communications Center can answer many foreign language calls and refer callers to available translators who can help. The Latino community effort is made possible by federal gang prevention funding generated by Washington State congressional delegation members, including Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Jim McDermott. The Sheriff intends to expand this project to other communities where English is a second language for adults in the family home.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Sheriff Sue Rahr and other public safety officials will discuss gang activity in South Park.
WHEN: Tuesday, March 9th from 6pm – 8pm.
WHERE: South Park Community Center, located at 8319 8th Ave South.
INFO: From a press release:
Keep Your Family and Community Safe!
The King County Sheriff’s Office invites residents of South Park to an important event at the South Park Community Center. Gang activity is increasing and dangerous to your family, and especially to your children. Come to this special event to learn how to keep your kids from becoming involved in gangs. Meet police officers who are here to help your family in the community. Experts will be presenting information and knowledge about how gangs operate and what you can do to keep them away from your neighborhood.
Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: South Park Community CenterKing County Sheriff Sue Rahr and other public safety officials ask that you attend this special presentation to learn from experts on gangs and listen to answers to these questions:
- How serious is the gang problem in South Park?
- What can parents do to keep children away from the influence and pressure of gang involvement?
- What are the signs that tell you when gangs are active in your community?
- What can the residents of South Park do to help the Sheriff’s deputies to keep gangs out of their neighborhood?
The King County Sheriff understands your concerns about persons being asked to show documentation of their immigration status. This gang awareness and prevention event is only about keeping your family and community safe. No questions about personal identification will be asked of those who attend this special presentation. Your participation is essential to making this occasion successful, so these amenities will be provided at no cost:
- Food and beverages
- Games and care for small children.
- Fun activities for teenagers.
According to KIRO 7 Eyewitness News, Monday night (March 1st), a teenage boy was knocked unconscious after an altercation that started on a Metro Bus in White Center.
KIRO reports that the boy was apparently being harassed by a group of kids on the bus, when one of them struck him and knocked him out.
While police rounded up the suspects, the victim’s age, identity and condition are not known.
Read KIRO’s full story here.
King County Parks has officially unveiled what they consider a “very groovy” new playground at White Center’s Steve Cox Memorial Park, which is located at 1321 SW 102nd Street.
Here’s the verbiage taken directly from the county’s website:
The new playground at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center is now officially OPEN!
Featuring some very groovy Scandinavian-designed equipment for kids aged 2-5 and 5-12, there are slides, swings, and lots of spinny things.
And of course, safety surfacing so you don’t get hurt when you fall down and go boom.
Enjoy!
As you may recall, Steve Cox was the King County Sheriff’s officer who was was killed in White Center in the line of duty in December of 2006. Formerly White Center Park, the park was re-opened in Cox’ honor in 2007.
Here’s a pic of the “very groovy” playground, courtesy King County Parks:
| Mar |
| 11 |
| 6:00 pm |
Together with the King County Sheriff’s Office, Burien and SeaTac Police are continuing their twice-yearly “Citizen’s Police Academy” program with an orientation on Thursday, March 11th, and classes on Wednesday nights from 6pm-9pm.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Citizen’s Police Academy Training
WHEN: Starts Thursday, March 11th and continues through April 24th. Classes are held on Wednesday nights from 6pm to 9pm at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center in Burien.
Classes will run for 13 weeks, plus a graduation ceremony including a certificate of completion and pictures with police staff. A light meal will be provided for students. There are presentations by many of the Sheriff’s Office Units and several opportunities for hands-on experiences, plus a field trip to the King County Communications Center.
The training sessions are held twice a year in the spring and fall. The sessions require approximately 20 hours to complete. There is a minimal fee for tools supplied to students, enabling them to build their own emergency response kit.
WHERE: Initial meeting is at the Burien/Normandy Park Fire Station, which is located at 15100 8th Ave SW in Burien; subsequent classes will be at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center in Burien.
COST: FREE!
INFO: From a press release:
Graduates of the Citizen’s Police Academy will have a better understanding of the law enforcement role in the criminal justice system and an appreciation for the many challenges facing law enforcement in today’s complex society. They will also be better able to assist offices in improving their neighborhoods and communities.
The goal is for emergency personnel to train members of neighborhoods, community organizations or workplaces in basic preparation and response skills. CERT members are then integrated into the emergency response capability for their area.
SeaTac and Burien Fire and Police Departments partner in offering this eight-week training held on weekday evenings, with a Practical Fianl Exercise held on a Saturday. Sessions require approximately 20 ours to complete. There is a minimal fee for tools supplied to students, enabling them to build their own emergency response kit.
Training is designed to cover the following:
- Disaster Preparedness
- Fire Safety
- Disaster Medical Operations (Triage, Treating Life Threatening Injuries, and Assessment, Treatment and Hygiene.)
- Light Search and Rescue
- Team Organization
- Disaster Psychology
- Terrorism
Graduates will also be eligible for the Ride-Along program, in which you can spend up to an entire shift riding with an officer.
This course is an unforgettable experience and it’s completely free for anyone who lives or works in the cities of SeaTac or Burien!
There are two sessions each year and they fill up fast, so register early with your local Community Service Officer.
If you are interested in attending the next session and would like an application sent to you by mail, please contact CSO Mechee Burnett at mechee.burnett@kingcounty.gov or 206.973.4917 (you can also download a PDF application here).
- SEATAC: If you are from the SeaTac area, please contact: CSO Eloise Kruger: 206-973-4915 or ekruger@ci.seatac.wa.us
- BURIEN: If you are from the Burien area, please contact: CSO Nicki Maraulja: 206-296-3333 or nicki.maraulja@kingcounty.gov
