Sheriff reports rescue, K9 explosives grant and 911 upgrades; committee approves related bids

Sheriff (name not recorded in the transcript) told the Public Safety meeting that in May his office executed 122 civil attempts, served 70 civil papers, issued 157 traffic tickets, investigated 14 traffic accidents, made 47 arrests (including one DWI) and handled 630 calls for service. He also described the new marine rescue boat's first successful rescue of an 80‑year‑old man stranded on a sailboat whose phone had died.

On equipment and grants, the sheriff announced acceptance of a $15,000 explosives‑detection K9 grant. Committee members asked whether the department needed an additional dog or whether existing dogs could be trained; the sheriff said the department currently has three K9s — one explosives, one narcotics and one therapy dog — and intends to maintain and rotate them.

Dan from the 91 center reported the center handled 3,260 total events in May (including 554 EMS calls, 188 fire and 1,860 police events), processed over 3,200 incoming phone calls and reported progress on several grant‑funded projects. Next‑generation 911 upgrades under way include replacing the phone system, installing enhanced text‑to‑911 with inbound video capability, microwave backhaul work, and a camera system upgrade for the dispatch center. A vendor‑funded clean‑agent fire suppression installation will protect the 911 server room.

Committee members asked staff to provide mutual‑aid tracking and transport data — including how many added crews have been staffed, where mutual aid has been used and how many transports removed ambulances from service — so the board can evaluate whether recent funding has translated into increased ambulance availability or primarily added crews.

The committee approved several related action items: a five‑year maintenance contract for mountain communications shelters, award of the server‑room clean‑agent fire suppression work, appointment of an additional hazmat team member, and a budget amendment to accept the sheriff's K9 grant. The committee discussed plans for an open house at the justice center once the second floor is complete and parking finishes are done.