Washington Chamber’s Leadership Washington Is Keeping Community Safe

WASHINGTON—The Washington Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership class experienced many different aspects of Washington’s City & County Government on February 8, 2023.
This year’s class started their day off at the City Hall Chambers. The day got started with Mayor Pro Tem Millie Youngquist, showing off the new addition to City Hall and introducing all of the City employees. Presentations were given by City Administrator, Deanna McCusker; Fire Chief, Brendan DeLong; Washington Police Chief, Jim Lester; and Finance Director, Kelsey Brown. All spoke on their duties in said roles and explained to the class new upcoming items they were working on and past achievements. All classmates got to tour the entire building and do a few fun activities which included a fire equipment demo and a fatal vision demo. Next the class gathered again in the Chambers for a presentation from County Auditor, Dan Widmer; County Treasurer, Jeff Garrett; and one of the County Supervisors Bob Yoder. Topics ranged from the newly vacate City Council position to what each department does.

The class then traveled to the Emergency Operations Center for a learning lunch given by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. Shawn Ellingson, Eric Weber, Nathan Schmuecker, Chad Ellis chatted with the group about the county sheriff’s department, problems that are currently affecting our area and recent happenings within the department.

Next up was the jail tour, K9 unit demonstration, and 911 dispatch tour. This day is always a class favorite as they get to experience and see things most community members don’t.

Last but not least, the final stop was at the Washington County Ambulance Barn. Interim director Katrina Altenhofen and group explained all the new equipment, call volumes, and all the achievements they have had since just taking over the ambulance a few short years ago. The class was able to tour the different ambulances and see the Lucas Device in action.

Leaders of the day were Larry Northway, Jonathon Ward, and Jenny Morgan.
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