 | | 7/13/2017 | Commissioner Wolfe’s Water Rescue |  On a recent sunny day in Dyes Inlet, Commissioner Wolfe got to experience first-hand the great work Kitsap's first responders do for citizens safety. For a recent taping of a quarterly "Commissioners Corner" episode, Commissioner Wolfe was joined by Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue's (CKFR) boat and crew, as well as Sheriff Gary Simpson and the KCSO Marine Unit. For the episode, he also chatted with Kathleen Gordon, the executive director of the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce about the recent Water Trails Festival and recreation opportunities provided by the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails. More information on the Water Trails can be found at http://kitsappeninsulawatertrails.com/. The website includes a new interactive map with launch sites and activities. Sheriff Gary Simpson and Sergeant Ken Dickinson spoke with Commissioner Wolfe about water safety and the increased risk with warmer temperatures and people taking to the water. The KCSO has four boats that patrol the waters of Kitsap to promote safety for those on the water. The Sheriff's Office is not on the water 24/7, but they have 17 deputies trained for work on the vessels. When they are on the water, they make contact with boaters to make sure they have the proper safety equipment and that they are following the rules of the water, and making sure that boaters are not impaired while operating a vessel. Sergeant Dickinson emphasized that all kayakers need a personal flotation device (pfd) and a noise-maker, such as a whistle. Deputy Chief Oliver from CKFR explained that they are a reactive force, that responds when 911 is called. They don't proactively patrol waterways like the Sheriff's Office does. CKFR also teaches water safety in schools, since teenagers are statistically more likely to become victims of drowning. Both agencies stressed the importance of writing down or telling someone where you are going, so that if you don't return, rescuers know where to look for you. To watch Commissioner Wolfe's rescue and interviews, visit https://vimeo.com/224640733. | | | | 7/13/2017 | Bremerton Fast Ferry Launches Service |  Commissioner Wolfe joined state and local dignitaries in a ceremony dedicating Kitsap Transit's new ferry service from Bremerton to Seattle. The July 5 ceremony celebrated the foresight of voters who approved the sales tax increase to fund the passenger-only service, as well as those who championed the idea, the partnerships that made it happen, and the cutting edge technology that makes the Rich Passage I nearly wake-less as it travels at high speeds. Speakers at the event included Governor Inslee, Kitsap Transit Executive Director John Clauson, Representative Kilmer, Bremerton Mayor Patty Lent, and Port Orchard Mayor and Kitsap Transit Board Chairman Rob Putaansuu. After the ceremony, attendees boarded the boat and took a trial run to Elliot Bay and back to Bremerton. The Washington State Ferry system had attempted this route years ago, but complaints and claims about wake damage to waterfront properties ended that service. This time, the boat (and future boats to be added to the route) are designed to minimize wakes. In fact, the boat must travel at least 34 knots through Rich Passage, the narrowest part of the journey, in order to minimize the wake. It then slows down for fuel efficiency once it hits open water, getting passengers to Seattle in about 28 minutes. The ferry will make three morning and three afternoon round-trips during commuter hours, and ten round trips on Saturdays. For more information on this new ferry service visit http://www.kitsaptransit.com/service/category/fast-ferry or call (800)501-RIDE. | | | | 3/21/2018 | Commissioner Wolfe holds monthly listening sessions in Silverdale | Constituents of Kitsap County Commissioner Ed Wolfe now have an opportunity to meet with him in Silverdale - without an appointment - during First Friday Listening Sessions in Old Town Silverdale every month from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Monica's Waterfront Bakery & Café, 3472 NW Byron St. The first session will be April 6. The time and location allow for those in Central Kitsap to drop by over the lunch hour to share concerns and ideas or just engage in lively conversation. Other First Friday Listening Sessions are scheduled May 4 and June 1. The July session will be cancelled because of its proximity to the Fourth of July but meetings resume Aug. 3. For more information, contact Angie Silva in the Commissioners' Office at (360) 337-7080, asilva@co.kitsap.wa.us. | | | | 4/23/2018 | Sheriff Simpson joins Commissioner Wolfe at First Friday Listening Session May 4 | Constituents of Central Kitsap County Commissioner Ed Wolfe are welcome to drop in during his First Friday Listening Session from noon to 1:30 p.m. May 4 at the Best Western Silverdale Beach Hotel, 3073 NW Bucklin Hill Road. Sheriff Gary Simpson will join Commissioner Wolfe to address law enforcement and school safety in Central Kitsap, topics brought up at the April 6 listening session. This is an opportunity for citizens to voice their concerns and engage in lively conversation. First Friday Listening Sessions are usually held at Monica's Waterfront Bakery & Café in Old Town Silverdale but the May meeting is being moved to the hotel to provide more room for attendees. Other First Friday Listening Sessions are scheduled June 1 and Aug. 3. The July session will be cancelled because of its proximity to the Fourth of July. In addition to joining Commissioner Wolfe in this public discussion May 4, Sheriff Simpson and deputies serving the Central Kitsap community will host an open house during National Drug Take Back Day, from 11 am. to 3 p.m. April 28 at the Silverdale precinct office, 3951 Randall Way. The public will have the opportunity to tour the office, learn neighborhood crime prevention tips and about planned responses for active shooters in schools. For more information on the May 4 listening session, contact Angie Silva in the Commissioners' Office at (360) 337-7080, asilva@co.kitsap.wa.us . For more information on the Sheriff's Office Open House, call (360) 337-7101 or e-mail kitsapshpio@co.kitsap.wa.us. | |
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