Shelton recognizes lifesaving police actions and proclaims April for sexual assault and child abuse prevention awareness

Council honored local first responders and adopted two proclamations during the April 7 meeting.

Lifesaving recognitions: presenters described two incidents in which officers provided life-saving interventions. The presentation identified Officer Greg Blelock (response to a May 27, 2025 stabbing at North P Street and West Thirst Street) and Sergeant Michael D. Ro (responded to an overdose in late 2025) and cited immediate actions—direct pressure, trauma dressings and naloxone administration—that staff said were instrumental in preserving life. Council and attendees commended the officers and noted body-camera footage corroborated the interventions.

Proclamations: Council proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, recognizing Turning Point Survivor Advocacy Center and local partners for crisis response and prevention services. Deputy Mayor Lindsay Sap read a proclamation also designating April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month; a representative from local patient-support services described outreach involving pinwheels and family-support programs and offered materials for council and staff.

Other presentations: America250 representatives described a Founding Fathers project to engage youth in repurposing Mason County timber into historic-flag displays for the Forest Festival, and staff updated the council on the Mobile Integrated Health Program, introducing Amanda Gonzalez as the new systems coordinator and noting grant-funded positions funded through an AWC alternative-response-team grant.

Outcome: recognitions and proclamations were adopted on the record; several community organizations were mentioned as resources for survivors and families.