Sheriffs followed Santa into town, and Rotarians thanked schools staff recently.
No. That's not Santa. That's Walt Elliott, Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club Program Chair who welcomed Kitsap County Sheriff John Gese (right) and Under Sheriff Russ Clithero to the noon meeting Dec 10. The Sheriff has been with the Sheriff's office 34-years. He was appointed in 2021 and elected Sheriff in 2022.
With a budget just shy of $60m, Kitsap County Sheriff's office has 277 budgeted employee positions, with 126 commissioned officers and a corrections staff numbering 103. They police for 184,000 residents in unincorporated Kitsap County. Gese said the "mid-to-large size jail," with 450 beds, is a big piece of KCSO's budget. And costs there are rising exponentially due to medical and insurance costs. The Sheriff's budget is about 43% of Kitsap County's general fund, but the Sheriff reminded Rotarians that's only three-to-four cents on their property tax dollar.
Gese and Clithero report they are seeing crime rates similar to those they experienced in the 90's. They are seeing an increase in gun violence. Drugs. all cartel-driven, are a big piece of the crime and health issues they face. Gese said, "the last five years have been the most dynamic I've faced in my 34-years."
Kingston-North Kitsap Rotary and Crossroads Rotary joined in the effort organized by David Perez of the Poulsbo Rotary Club, to give recognition and appreciation of all the North Kitsap School District Staff. Cakes or Cookies and appreciation Cards were delivered to all staff locations before the Holiday break. Representatives from the three Clubs delivered the items and shared our appreciation for their service to our children and Community. Stan Mack delivered cakes to Kingston Middle School and Wolfle Elementary School. Neil Dieriks (below) delivered cakes to Kingston High School and Gordon Elementary School.
