“Scene of double shooting in Thurston County [near Yelm].
Two people were taken to the hospital. Jan. 9, 2016.”
Photo credit KOMO News Photo.

– Public Safety is at the forefront of a recent local newspaper poll
Whenever there is a shooting involving an officer, that officer is placed on Administrative Leave or reassigned to a desk job until an investigation is concluded, leaving Public Safety staffing with one less officer. With two recent high-profile shootings in Thurston County last week coupled with Yelm’s unfilled Police Dept. positions, no wonder Public Safety is at the forefront of a recent local newspaper poll.


– “Police investigate after 2 shot in Thurston County”
“Two people were shot following a confrontation at a home in the 12000 block of Yelm Highway Saturday morning.

Two bail bondsmen went to the home to find a man who had an outstanding warrant for a first degree burglary charge out of Thurston County, Sheriff’s spokesman Lt. Cliff Ziesemer said.

Ziesemer said the man came out of a motorhome on the property holding a gun. During a confrontation, one of the bondsman deployed a stun gun, but it didn’t make contact with the man, he added.”

“The man only ran about 20 feet before the other bondsman shot him several times, Ziesemer said. The bondsman who opened fire will likely not face any charges, he added,” quoting KOMO News Staff.
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– “Thurston County deputy fatally shoots suspect who stole SUV”
“Suspect was shot after allegedly punching the deputy, stealing the deputy’s SUV”
Occurred near Olympia Regional Airport, Tuesday, January 5, 2016.
By Amelia Dickson, The Olympian.
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– Lack of Yelm Police Dept. staffing becomes 2015 Council candidates hot-button issue
Click here for coverage by the Nisqually Valley News.
Click here for the statistical facts presented by the Yelm Community Blog.


– Public Safety far and away number one in Nisqually Valley News Online poll
What is the No. 1 thing you want to see changed in 2016 in the city of Yelm?

* Business development 13.8%
* Maintaining parks facilities 0%
* Bolstering the police department/public safety 51.7%
* Make housing more affordable 13.8%
* Increase access to public transit 10.3%
* Work on city beautification 0%
* Other
Click here for the Poll results.

Yet, Mayor Harding still chooses to not back-fill open positions on the Yelm Police Dept. staff. No wonder Public Safety is at the forefront of a recent local newspaper poll.
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