Firewise, Fireworks, and the Fight to Keep Elected Sheriffs — Ryan Spurling | KMAS

About this episode

Sheriff Ryan Spurling discusses wildfire preparedness, law enforcement challenges, and community safety with host Jeff Slakey.

Mason County Sheriff Ryan Spurling joins Jeff Slakey for their monthly conversation, recorded at the Fjord Oyster Bank ahead of the Sheriff's Luncheon. This episode covers the full range of what's on the Sheriff's radar heading into summer 2026. Topics include: the leadership transition at the Shelton Police Department as a new chief takes over following Chief Kostad's departure; wildfire preparedness and the Forest Service's determination that the Bear Gulch Fire near Lake Cushman was likely caused by fireworks; how the Sheriff's Office handles the 4th of July surge with limited resources (up to 250 calls, six deputies, a thousand square miles); the new MACECOM AVA non-emergency AI dispatch line and how it's designed to improve coverage during high-volume events; and a full update on the legal fight over the state legislature's sheriff oversight bill, including two injunction wins that have frozen the law pending court review. Sheriff Spurling also shares encouraging news on law enforcement staffing levels across Washington State, and WASPIC research data showing public trust in law enforcement ranks among the highest of any profession. The Sheriff Sit-Down is produced by KMAS…

People in this episode

Host: Jeff Slakey

Guest: Ryan Spurling

Topics covered

• wildfire preparedness
• law enforcement
• community safety
• 4th of July
• sheriff oversight
• public trust in law enforcement

Keywords

• wildfire
• sheriff
• law enforcement
• 4th of July
• public trust
• emergency dispatch
• Mason County

Sponsors

Our Community Credit Union

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Fjord Oyster Bank, Shelton Police Department, Forest Service, MACECOM, WASPIC

Places: Mason County, Washington State, Lake Cushman

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