A message from Mayor Hayden on the importance of buckling up:

Last month, we had a special “Click It or Ticket” emphasis patrol within our city limits. And it seems, we needed this. Over the span of just four hours, our staff stopped 48 vehicles, accounting for 56 separate traffic violations. That’s in Sumner alone. Among the violations, 23 tickets were issued for seat belt violations, and 23 tickets were issued for distracted driving. Several drivers had multiple violations, including no insurance and suspended driver’s licenses. To put this in perspective, an emphasis patrol like this expects to see usually about 4-5 violations. This is not how we like to excel.

This emphasis required the coordination of multiple officers, a “violation spotter” and multiple officers to conduct the traffic stops. To see so many violations in such a short period of time is staggering and highlights just how pervasive these dangerous habits remain. When we do these patrols, someone always comments, “Don’t you have anything better to do?” or something to that effect. No, actually, this is one of the most important things we do. It was funded by a grant, which allows us to conduct this patrol in addition to our normal staffing. And, these are not petty violations that were “busted” just to fill some sort of quota. In each incident, the driver was putting someone’s life in danger–either their own, someone else’s or most likely, both. In a walkable, active community like Sumner, we need to change our traffic safety culture. Let’s all commit to doing better. It’s pretty simple:
1. Buckle up—every time, no exceptions. Put your seatbelt on before you even start the car. Make it second nature.
2. Eliminate distractions. Before you begin your drive, set your music, enter your directions, and stow your phone somewhere out of reach. Looking at your phone for just five seconds while driving 55 mph is equivalent to driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.

Your life—and the lives of others—depends on your full attention behind the wheel.

-Mayor Kathy Hayden

Are you looking for a super happy and funny friend? If so, I’m your guy!

Two weeks ago, a nice lady found me playing all by myself in Rainier Woods Park and brought me to the Metro Animal Shelter in Puyallup. And since I’m such a good boy and so friendly, my buddies at the shelter have said I am ready to be adopted by my new forever family!

As you can see from my pictures, I have the BEST smile and one silly ear – so I will make your day with just one look! I am a big happy guy, and love to give hugs and kisses to all of the volunteers who come play with me at the shelter.

I’m a Siberian Husky and approximately 1.5 years old. I’ve had all of my vaccinations and been neutered, so I am ready to go home with my forever family today. I will be so happy to meet you, and I promise my smile will make you so happy!

If you would like to meet Poutine, please reach out to the Metro Animal Services Shelter in Puyallup at pets@sumnerwa.gov

Setting The Standard in Policing – a message from Mayor Hayden:

On the same day last week, our police department was honored in two very different ways. First, we received accreditation from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC). There are over 240 agencies in Washington State, yet only 79 are accredited. Sumner is one of them and has been for 20 years now. This is not something you get lightly. You must prove that you follow and meet 146 separate standards, ranging from records management to use of force. One of the areas of major emphasis requires us annually to review all incidents that involved vehicle pursuits, uses of force, internal investigations and bias-based profiling incidents. We watch the data, looking for any concerning issues or trends that need to be addressed. Another major emphasis area is on training: we must track that all sworn personnel complete at least 24 hours of in-service training each year. The best part of accreditation is the assurance it gives you that our staff are operating to the best of standards. You don’t have to take my word for it or the Chief’s word for it. Independent auditors from WASPC came in and combed through those 146 standards. They’re the ones telling you that Sumner PD is operating at the highest of industry standards.

The second, very different, honor was closer to home as the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District recognized our School Resource Officer Brandon Anderson for his work this year in schools. With programs like Badges and Boxing as well as Badges and Barbells, he’s building strong connections and community between police and youth. And, of course, he’s not the only one building these connections. I bring up this award because it highlights the balance of our department. They fulfill the highest standards in the state while they also prioritize proactive, community-level connections, a hallmark of small-city life that isn’t always found in larger jurisdictions. Chief Moericke was giving an update to Sumner Rotary yesterday, and he emphasized that when hiring, he doesn’t just seek brawn, the traditional stereotype for policing. He also looks for brains and heart. We can teach standards, even to the highest levels, but we can’t always teach character.

Thank you to Chief Moericke and all our staff in the Police Department for bringing your best each and every day. Thank you to Bree Cowdrey, our Police Department’s Professional Standards Officer, who spent a great deal of time managing the re-accreditation process. You all truly shine state-wide and here at home, in Sumner.

-Mayor Kathy Hayden

Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage, commitment, and legacy will never be forgotten.

Wishing everyone a meaningful Memorial Day as we reflect with gratitude and pride.

City Hall and remote offices will be closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day.