Page 3 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - March - April 2020

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PUBLIC SAFETY

4 new faces join department’s team

Althea Youckton
achieves goal of law
enforcement career

By Curtis Dupuis II
Corrections Officer Althea
Youckton officially became a
member of the Chehalis Tribe’s
Public Safety Department during
a swearing-in ceremony on
March 3.
Youckton has taken many
steps toward starting a career as
a corrections officer. Youckton
attended the Federal Law
Enforcement Training Center in
Artisia, New Mexico. The six-week
training prepares participants
to handle various situations they
might face in law enforcement.
Her time at the academy
changed Youckton’s life. Along with
numerous daily workout drills, she
was stunned with a Taser gun and
sprayed with oleorium capsicum
(similar to pepper spray). If she
had to choose between the two, the
Taser would win over the spray.
While at the training center,
she learned a great deal about
the profession. But ultimately,
Youckton learned a lot about
herself and her ability to push
through challenging times.
Youckton is normally a quiet
individual and can seem like a
shy person, but participating in
the academy was life changing in
many ways. “I was able to open up Chief of Police Kelley Edwards welcomes Corrections Officer Althea Youckton to the Public Safety Department.
more,” Youckton said. “You find
your voice down there.” support helped her push through wants to continue engaging with
Youckton is originally from hardships at the police academy the tribal community.
California. She is married to ‘I felt honored. It is a big when she missed her family and Because Youckton has two
Chehalis tribal member Philip accomplishment for me in anticipated coming home. young children, most of her
Youckton. They have two children, A few weeks after returning hobbies include spending time
ages 5 and 7. my life.’ – ALTHEA YOUCKTON home, she was recognized during with them and raising them.
She began working for the a swearing-in ceremony with She attends sporting events and
tribe in 2011 as part of the her husband, Public Safety staff school activities and goes to
custodial crew. She held several Law enforcement is a and community members. The
other positions before deciding career path officer Youckton ceremony was conducted by Chief the movies and on adventures
to pursue a career working inside contemplated when she was of Police Kelly Edwards. with her family. Althea is also a
the tribal jail. Youckton said younger. She has a strong desire “I felt honored,” Youckton said. “gamer.” She loves video games
spending nine years working in for community involvement and “It is a big accomplishment for me and said that she grew up
various tribal departments played providing assistance. in my life.” challenging herself.
a crucial role in her success. She She credits her children, Officer Youckton is hoping to
understands the importance of husband, mother-in-law Winona eventually become a uniformed
building relationships and being Youckton and other family patrol officer in Indian Country. MORE OFFICER PROFILES,
willing to help out with events or members who helped motivate her She plans to focus on her duties SEE PAGES 4-5
activities when needed. to pursue this career path. Their within the Chehalis Tribe’s jail and