Serving the cities of Yelm, Rainier, and surrounding unincorporated areas.
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In Memory: Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputy Cooper Dyson

Originally on Kiro 7.

The community is working to help the family of the Pierce County deputy killed while responding to a domestic violence call Saturday.

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department will accept donations and Christmas gifts for Deputy Cooper Dyson’s wife, who is pregnant, and his 2-year-old child.

Dyson died in a crash on 112th Street East in Parkland as he was on his way to help another deputy on a domestic violence call.

“One of the people involved in the domestic violence had armed themselves with a shotgun,” said Detective Ed Troyer, a spokesman for the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department. “So our deputy called for backup.”

Investigators said speed and rain likely caused his death.

They believe he hit a patch of water, hydroplaned, barrel rolled and landed. Then his patrol car burst into flames.

A man who KIRO 7 spoke with and lives near where the accident happened said, “This is the time that the community needs to step up, I believe.”

For those who want to help the Dyson family, the Sheriff’s Department has established a Legacy Fund at this link. >> Legacy Fund page

Also, people can go to any TAPCO Credit Union and donate.

The fund is the only official fund supported by the Sheriff’s Department and the deputy’s family.

Thank you to the Nisqually Tribe!

Nisqually Tribal Council Members

Ken Choke, Chairman
Antonette Squally, Vice Chairperson
Jackie Wittington, Secretary
David Iyall, Treasurer
Hanford McCloud (6), Tribal Council Member
Willie Frank III (7), Tribal Council Member

Thank you for your donation to SE Thurston Fire Authority (Yelm & Rainier). The Nisqually Tribe Charitable Fund has made generous donations to the SE Thurston Fire Authority, servicing the cities of Yelm and Rainier, as well as the surrounding area. These funds will be used for recruitment, training, and protective gear for volunteer fire fighters.

In the past, the funds provided by the Nisqually Tribe were used to build the SE Thurston Fire website (sethurstonfire.org). Part of the donation received from the Nisqually Tribe this year will be used to continue to maintain the website, as well as to produce a newsletter, “Seconds Do Count.” The newsletter provides education, safety tips, fire prevention, and volunteer recruitment for emergency responders and EMTs.

Thank you for your continued support.

Commissioner Johnathan Sprouffske, Chair
Commissioner Steve Slater, Vice Chair
Commissioner Dave Shepherd
Commissioner Stewart Kunkel
Commissioner Jeff Dehan
Commissioner Kevin Rademacher
Mark King, Fire Chief
Joyce Willms, Grant Writer

Stuffed Animal Drive

SE Thurston Fire Authority is collecting new Teddy bears and other stuffed animals for use as comfort tools in emergency situations. The stuffed animals will be kept on fire trucks to give to children involved in car accidents, fires, and other traumatic situations. These stuffed animals are often a useful tool to help calm children during difficult, and often dangerous, situations.

You can drop off new Teddy bears and other stuffed animals at the SE Thurston Fire Authority Station 21 main office, located at 709 Mill Road, from now until December 19, 2019. Office hours are 9:00am – 4:30pm, with a lunch closure from 11:30am – 12:30pm.

For more information, email sshindell@sethurstonfire.org or call 360-458-2799.

Thank you so much for wanting to help. You really are making a difference to child in a very stressful situation.

Be Safe This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is almost here! This means people across the country will gather together to celebrate with friends and relatives. No matter what preparations your celebration requires, it’s important to be mindful of safe practices when preparing your holiday meal and making travel plans. Safety is important, so we’re providing a few tips and reminders to ensure you have a safe holiday celebration.

Food Safety and Preparation

People want their holiday meal to be remembered for the right reasons. 

  • Wash your hands before touching the turkey or any other food items.
  • Separate foods to avoid cross contamination.
  • Plan ahead when thawing foods (a 20-pound turkey can take up to five days).
  • Cook foods at safe temperatures (cook a whole turkey without stuffing at 180 degrees).

Fire Safety

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving is a peak day for home cooking fires. Keeping the below points in mind can help you avoid a cooking fire.

  • Avoid wearing loose, flowing clothing which can catch fire. It is better to wear sleeves that fit snugly against your arms or are short enough to not go near the fire.
  • Stand by your pan.” Don’t leave anything on the stovetop and walk away from it. Ensuring that you are closely monitoring what is cooking will help cut down the chances of an accidental fire or an injury.
  • If a grease or stovetop fire does occur, extinguish the flame by covering it with a lid.
  • Don’t allow children or pets near the stove when cooking.
  • Keep potholders or oven mitts handy to move hot pots and pans.
  • Ensure that the pots on the stove do not have exposed handles that can be knocked over when someone is passing by. Instead, turn the handles to the middle of the stovetop.

Travel Safety

Traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday makes for a busy, and sometimes stressful, time. No matter what means of transportation you plan on using, taking some additional time to plan ahead can make all the difference and keep you and your family safe.

  • In the event of a breakdown or accident, it’s important to have an emergency car kit with you during your travels. There should be a number of items that can help you better deal with the difficult conditions including a shovel, blankets, water, and a first aid kit.
  • Fill up your gas tank and prepare your vehicle for your trip.
  • Don’t text and drive. Doing so not only puts you at a greater risk of a car accident, it puts other cars on the road at risk, as well.
  • If flying, refer to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) tips and traveler information.

SETFA hopes you create lasting memories this Thanksgiving and surround yourself with great food and company.  Happy Thanksgiving!