January '25 Sheriffs Sit Down with Jeff Slakey

KMAS & The Fjord Magazine

1. Introduction and Historical Context of the Sheriff’s Office (0:00 - 2:28)
When I sat down with Sheriff Ryan Spurling for this Sheriff’s Sit-Down, we kicked things off by reflecting on the history of the Mason County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Spurling shared some fascinating details about his predecessors, like Sheriff Salisbury, who served for 16 years—the longest tenure in the county’s history. It was incredible to hear how the leadership over the years has built such a strong and positive culture, one that Sheriff Spurling is committed to continuing.

2. Accessibility and Community Engagement (2:28 - 4:18)
One thing that always impresses me about Sheriff Spurling is how accessible he is—not just as a leader but as a part of this community. He pointed out that Mason County’s smaller size allows the Sheriff’s Office to have a direct connection with the people it serves. We also talked about the Belfair satellite office and how it has really improved efficiency and made law enforcement more visible in the northern part of the county. It’s clear that staying connected with citizens is a priority for him and his team.

3. Proactive Policing and Crime Prevention (4:18 - 6:48)
During our conversation, Sheriff Spurling emphasized the importance of proactive policing and being visible in the community. He brought up some concerns about a state-level push to centralize sheriff appointments, which would take away local control from residents. Ryan made a compelling case for keeping the power in the hands of the people—after all, who knows a community better than the folks who live there?

4. Community Policing and Reporting Tools (7:59 - 16:29)
We also dove into the topic of community policing and the new tools that help people report crimes. Sheriff Spurling explained how online reporting has been a game-changer, making it easier to track crime trends and educate residents. He shared how these tools allow the office to identify patterns and work with neighborhoods to prevent crimes before they happen. It was inspiring to see how data and technology are being used to make Mason County safer.

5. Scams and Public Awareness (16:29 - 18:59)
Now, this is an important one—scam calls. Sheriff Spurling gave some great advice on how to handle those sketchy calls from people pretending to be law enforcement. He reminded us all to verify anything suspicious by calling the non-emergency line. It’s great to hear this kind of practical guidance because these scams can catch anyone off guard, especially when they use urgency to pressure you into acting.

6. Future Plans for the Sheriff’s Office (18:59 - 21:00)
Looking ahead to 2025, Sheriff Spurling shared some exciting plans. They’re putting together a proactive enforcement team to tackle specific issues like traffic safety, burglaries, and even environmental concerns. He explained how this team will collaborate with other departments, like code enforcement and health services, to take on challenges that require a combined effort. It’s clear that he’s passionate about making a real difference in the community.

7. Community Events and Engagement (24:20 - 26:24)
Finally, we talked about one of my favorite topics—community events. The Polar Plunge is coming up in February, and it’s always a blast. Sheriff Spurling highlighted how this event supports local emergency services and brings everyone together for a good cause. I could see how much pride he takes in events like this, which really show off the unique spirit of Mason County. If you’ve never been, it’s worth checking out, even if you’re just there to cheer folks on!

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