Community Safety

Community safety is one of the most important responsibilities of local government—and in Duvall, it’s something we don’t take for granted. We’re fortunate to live in a city where the crime rate is not only significantly lower than the national average, but also lower than the rest of King County. That’s no accident. It’s the result of dedicated service by our police officers, strong community relationships, and a shared commitment by residents to look out for one another.

But as Duvall grows, so too will the challenges. New neighborhoods, increased traffic, and larger crowds at community events all place new demands on our systems of safety and emergency response. At the same time, we must continue to uphold the small-town values that define us—approachability, inclusion, and compassion.

That’s why I believe we need to broaden our definition of community safety. Yes, it includes law enforcement. But it also includes fire protection, emergency preparedness, healthcare access, disaster response, and support for residents when things go wrong. When we talk about public safety in Duvall, we need to talk about the whole picture.

Recognizing the Foundation: Our Police Department

Let’s start with law enforcement. The Duvall Police Department has done an incredible job of keeping our city safe. They’re responsive, visible, and engaged in the community. As of today, Duvall remains one of the safest cities in the region, and that’s due in large part to the professionalism, restraint, and community focus of our officers.

We should be proud of that—and protect it.

As the city grows, the department will need the support and resources to maintain those standards. Growth means more calls for service, more roads to patrol, and more residents to serve. But that doesn’t mean getting bigger just to get bigger. The focus should be on smart growth—keeping our police force well-trained, well-equipped, and rooted in the values that matter here: accessibility, transparency, and deep connection with the people they serve.

One of the things I’ve heard from residents is that they want the police to feel like part of the community—not a separate force, but a familiar face. That’s why it’s so important that as we expand, we protect the “small-town” feel of our public safety team. Whether it's through community policing programs, neighborhood meet-and-greets, or transparency tools like public dashboards, we must ensure that public safety grows with us—not away from us.

Expanding the Safety Conversation: Fire and Emergency Services

When we talk about safety, we also have to talk about preparedness—because real emergencies go beyond crime. Whether it's a wildfire like we saw in California earlier this year, or the ever-present risk of a Tolt Dam failure, the truth is: things can go wrong. When they do, our community's readiness will determine whether we come out stronger—or not.

Duvall contracts for fire and EMS services through regional providers, which is cost-effective and efficient. But as the population increases, we need to ensure those partnerships scale accordingly. That might mean:

• Supporting the fire district in acquiring new equipment or adding staff

• Ensuring the city’s role in emergency operations is well-defined

• Coordinating between agencies so response plans are current and unified

Beyond fire and rescue, we also need a city-wide commitment to disaster preparedness. That means updating emergency management plans, holding evacuation drills, and building public awareness around what to do during floods, power outages, or even earthquakes. Communication is key: residents need to know where to go, what to do, and who to call before a crisis hits.

We can’t prevent natural disasters—but we can be prepared.

Healthcare, Mental Health, and Human Services

Another part of community safety that’s often overlooked is access to healthcare and human services. In a moment of crisis—whether it’s a medical emergency, a mental health challenge, or domestic violence—residents need to know that help is nearby and accessible.

Right now, Duvall doesn’t have a hospital, and our clinic resources are limited. That’s something we need to keep in mind as the city expands. Future planning should explore ways to:

• Attract urgent care and primary health providers to locate in Duvall

• Partner with King County for mobile clinics or public health services

• Ensure first responders are trained in mental health crisis response

• Support human service agencies that provide food, housing, and crisis aid

It’s not about duplicating big-city services—it’s about making sure every resident can get help when they need it, especially those who are vulnerable or isolated.

A Resilient Community is a Safe Community

Ultimately, safety isn’t just about avoiding danger. It’s about resilience—our ability to withstand shocks, respond with compassion, and recover quickly.

That means investing in:

• Reliable infrastructure (like stormwater systems, strong bridges, and backup generators)

• Well-connected neighborhoods (so emergency access isn’t bottlenecked)

• Civic engagement (so people know their neighbors and look out for each other)

• Communication systems (so information gets out fast and clearly in an emergency)

It also means supporting programs that empower residents to help one another. Whether it’s CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams), neighborhood watch groups, or first aid training, safety becomes strongest when it’s shared.

What I Support Moving Forward

If elected, here’s how I would approach community safety in Duvall over the next few years:

• Fully support our police department while maintaining community-based policing standards

• Ensure fire and EMS services are prepared for population growth and well-integrated in city planning

• Strengthen emergency preparedness through public education, drills, and updated disaster plans

• Increase access to health and crisis services through partnerships and strategic incentives

• Promote community-based safety programs that empower residents to participate

• Advocate for a resilience mindset in infrastructure, land use, and neighborhood design

We are safest when we plan ahead, act together, and build systems that reflect our shared values—responsibility, compassion, and care for one another.

We’re lucky to live in a city where safety is the norm—not the exception. But that didn’t happen by accident, and it won’t continue automatically. We have to keep investing in what works, while being honest about what needs to improve. We have to plan for a future that’s safer, stronger, and more inclusive than what we inherited.

Because safety isn’t just a statistic—it’s a promise. And I believe Duvall can continue to deliver on that promise for generations to come.