Page 4 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - April, 2019

4

Tribe highlights outstanding work

Sgt. Jake Dickerson

connects with the
‘He’s a special community

person who By Frazier Myer
has patience, Sgt. Jake Dickerson, longtime
perseverance, member of the Chehalis Tribe
consistency Public Safety Department, received
Supervisor of the Quarter for his
and wealth of engagement through the
commitment years. His nomination letter came from
community member Erika Pickernell,
to the youth.’ who wanted to show appreciation for
Dickerson’s outstanding commitment
– TONY MEDINA, to making the tribe a safer place to live
YOUTH CENTER during his tenure.
SUPERVISOR George ‘Geo” Jack’s Employee of the Month recognition has special meaning Pickernell said Sgt. Dickerson is an
for Youth Center Supervisor Tony Medina, who watched him grow up. “asset to the Chehalis Tribe.” And that
he “goes above and beyond for this
Youth Center Assistant and beyond by spending his weekends with entire community even outside of his
Medina recognized that Geo goes above
normal workdays.”
Sgt. Dickerson often volunteers
George ‘Geo’ Jack helps the youth program, taking various age groups at community events, helping out in
kids grow in sports, life to play ball and represent their tribe. This any way he can. He’s known for his
provides opportunities for kids to make new
friends, meet relatives and learn the value of avid involvement and deep-rooted
By Frazier Myer good sportsmanship. relationships with tribal members that
The Accounting Department served This year, one of his teams won the were built since he started working for
the Chehalis Tribe in 1996.
breakfast for lunch at the ACE Employee championship. Geo and Medina expressed Sgt. Dickerson grew up in Rochester
recognition where George “Geo” Jack and how proud they are of the youngsters’ just a few miles from the reservation.
Jake Dickerson were honored for their accomplishments and improvements. He said he always had an interest in
outstanding achievements on April 26. Geo said he is honored to work with the law enforcement, but credits his wife,
Chehalis tribal employees filled the youth and watch kids grow up, have fun and Jackie, for motivating him to launch his
Gathering Room to recognize Youth make memories. He said it feels good to career.
Center Assistant Geo as the March receive the award, but acknowledges At 21, he began working as a
Employee of the Month for his that he couldn’t have accomplished reserve officer for the city of Chehalis.
dedication to the children. it without help. He wanted to thank While he was still a reserve officer, he
Geo has worked at the Youth Talisa Baker, Bobby Jones and Cheryle took four months off to attend police
Center for eight months. He grew Starr for their assistance during academy. Without a steady income,
up on the Chehalis Reservation and tournament season. Jackie worked three jobs to financially
frequently visited the Youth Center as a While sports provide amazing support their family. After a couple
child. His favorite thing to do was play opportunities, Geo believes it is important years with the city of Chehalis, he
basketball, which is an activity he uses to that kids put school first. He encourages good
connect to kids today. Throughout the winter grades to play in tournaments. If grades aren’t See DICKERSON, page 5
months, Geo coached youth basketball teams where they should be, kids can’t go on the trip.
and took them to numerous tournaments. Medina has worked for the youth program
Youth Center Supervisor Tony Medina for 25 years. He has known Geo since he was
said he has seen skills on the basketball court a child and remembers taking him with other
improve tremendously since Geo started tribal youth to rez-ball tournaments.
coaching. Medina said he wanted to highlight “It’s a really good experience to see a young
Geo because “he’s a special person who has one, 5- or 6-year-old, grow up to be a man,”
patience, perseverance, consistency and Medina said. “Geo, he is a man, but it’s nice to
commitment to the youth.” see the kid in him.”

Erika Pickernell shows her appreciation
for Sgt. Jake Dickerson’s contributions
The Accounting team prepared breakfast for lunch for the ACE recognition. to the Chehalis Reservation.