Kent makes progress to handle its growth | As I See It

  • Friday, January 26, 2018 1:30pm
  • Opinion

I have been thinking about how policing in our country has changed so drastically over the years.

For the most part, police departments in America’s cities have been respected by citizens all over our land, even in areas where it was common knowledge that the local force might have been corrupt.

In Chicago, while in college during the 1970s, we were told to never drive our car on the expressway without a significant amount of cash in our pocket in case our vehicle broke down and we had to cover the expenses so our car wouldn’t be impounded.

I once personally wrestled with our local police departments after my trailer containing a prized motorcycle and leather accessories were stolen. I reported it, but Kent Police said that the items were taken outside of its jurisdiction. However, King County deputies said that they were stolen from inside city limits, so it wasn’t their problem.

I went on a personal investigation and found my stuff was actually in King County. Deputies did verify the description of my stolen possessions, but when they checked Kent for my theft report, they couldn’t find it from two days before, meaning I couldn’t prove the stuff was mine. When they did discover their mistake, all the items, including my motorcycle, had been relocated.

I have had a special interest in our police department for some years now, even when there was a time when I didn’t. But over the years, our city, our people and our government have evolved. We have changed. As a growing community, we have learned to live and work together.

The other day I joined Kent Police Chief Ken Thomas for coffee. What a treat it was to talk and get answers with the very knowledgeable police leader of our city. He spent the time to answer my specific questions and address some of my concerns. He was genuine and helpful.

Today, whenever I see a patrol car, I try to catch the officer’s attention, if they aren’t busy, and thank them for keeping us safe. We have a great police force with a fast-growing city of diverse population.

We must support our police as they work to protect us. They must grow with our growth, and we must grow along with them.

Don DinAlpha XR, Navy veteran and longtime Kent resident, regularly contributes to the Kent Reporter.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Opinion

Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He is a former president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and lives in Vancouver. Contact thebrunells@msn.com.
Is the Northwest ready for our ‘Big One?’ | Brunell

When President Biden warned FEMA does not have enough money to finish… Continue reading

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
Combing through this current follicle challenge | Whale’s Tales

I feared the day when passersby on the streets would start in with, “Hey, get a look at Uncle Fester there!” or “What’s cookin’, Kojak?!”

Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He is a former president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and lives in Vancouver. Contact thebrunells@msn.com.
Thoughts on Memorial Day and the ultimate sacrifice | Brunell

On Memorial Day, we traditionally honor Americans in our military who gave… Continue reading

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
In search of fairness, morals and good sportsmanship | Whale’s Tales

Ah, the Golden Rule. We all know it: do unto others as… Continue reading

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
If you’re right, and you know it, then read this | Whale’s Tales

As the poet Theodore Roethke once wrote: “In a dark time the eye begins to see…”

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
The key thing is what we do with our imperfections | Whale’s Tales

I have said and done many things of which I am not proud. That is, I am no golden bird cheeping about human frailties from some high branch of superhuman understanding.

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@soundpublishing.com.
Grappling with the finality of an oncologist’s statement | Whale’s Tales

Perhaps my brain injected a bit of humor to cover the shock. But I felt the gut punch.

Cartoon by Frank Shiers
Legislature back in session next week | Cartoon

State lawmakers return Jan. 8 to Olympia.

Cartoon by Frank Shiers
Santa doesn’t drive a Kia | Cartoon

Cartoon by Frank Shiers.

Cartoon by Frank Shiers
Salute to veterans | Cartoon by Frank Shiers

On Veterans Day, honor those who served your country.

File photo
Why you should vote in the upcoming election | Guest column

When I ask my students when the next election is, frequently they will say “November 2024” or whichever presidential year is coming up next.