Page 5 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - March-April 2022

5

OFFICER
From page 1 Mariners tickets
of working with clients stopped I’ve met a lot of the
when the COVID-19 pandemic DATE OPPONENT TIME PROMOTION
closed gyms and placed regulations tribal police officers April 17 Houston Astros 1:10pm Clear tote bag
on gatherings. It was during that before I started April 19 Texas Rangers 6:40pm
time, he decided to make a career
transition to a position where he working here. I April 20 Texas Rangers 6:40pm
could assist people. April 21 Texas Rangers 6:40pm
knew that they
Strengthening the community were great people. April 22 Kansas City Royals 6:40pm Puff vest night
Sutterlict envisions himself as April 23 Kansas City Royals 6:10pm
a community officer and strives – RIKKI SUTTERLICT April 24 Kansas City Royals 1:10pm Kids M’s hat
to be someone on the force who
can help tribal members and their
loved ones feel more secure. As a Contact Kelsey Bray at 360-709-1721 for tickets!
familiar face who grew up on the
Chehalis Reservation, he hopes Some days brought field PLAY BALL! Tickets are first-come,
to create a positive outlook on the training and others classroom first-serve. Let us know if you are
Public Safety Department. studies with techniques for bringing your family, so we can
“I’ve met a lot of the tribal interviewing and searching on try to get you more tickets if
police officers before I started a routine stop. Sutterlict also possible. Chehalis tribal members
working here,” Sutterlict said. “I reviewed legal coursework and ages 18-54 who haven’t signed up
knew that they were great people.” codes specific to federal law. before will be given priority.
That helped motivate him to Sutterlict completed his training
seek a job with the department. with an academic achievement
He was interested in public award and a certificate for
outreach and engaging with outstanding performance during
community members to show that the driving courses. Chehalis Tribal Days
safety officers truly care.
Officer on duty
Academy training A month after he returned from MEMORIAL DAY
Sutterlict started working with the academy, officer Sutterlict and
the Public Safety Department as a three other patrol officers were WEEKEND
trainee in early February 2021. He sworn into the Chehalis Tribal
patrolled with other officers and Public Safety Department by Chief MAY 27-30
received on-the-job training as he of Police Kelly Edwards. Tenured
waited to be sent to the Federal department officers attended the
Law Enforcement Training Center ceremony. Sutterlict’s mother n Men’s hardball +1 token
(FLETC) in Artesia, New Mexico. Elaine McCloud and his girlfriend n Women’s softball +1 token
He was at the academy for were also there to witness the
nearly 16 weeks during the holiday moment. n Co-ed softball +1 men’s token
season, starting in October and Sutterlict is in the process of and +1 women’s token
graduating in January. Sutterlict completing required field training $350 entry per team
said there were physical and mental to become a full-fledged officer
4
challenges, but the hardest part was with the department. He’s working Make checks payable to: Chehalis Tribe,
being away from home for so long. with real-life scenarios and P.O. Box 536, Oakville, WA 98568
He spent Halloween, Thanksgiving, learning about how the department Awards: First-fourth place, MVP, all-stars, best bat
Christmas and New Year’s away operates. After completing field
from friends and family. training, Officer Sutterlict will be
Sutterlict said what helped him able to patrol on his own. Officer BLOCK OF ROOMS AVAILABLE AT
get through training was being Sam Heller is mentoring him on LUCKY EAGLE CASINO & HOTEL
with so many goal-oriented people patrolling and what to look for Call 360-273-2000 or 800-720-1788
who all wanted to help serve and while on duty. Sutterlict is also
protect Indian Country. learning in-depth tribal law and
He said a physical activity that codes specific to the reservation 14TH ANNUAL CANCER WALK
proved more difficult for him was and the department’s jurisdiction. FISH BAKE & ART EXHIBIT
long-distance running. Extensive Once he completes his training,
cardio wasn’t something he focused Sutterlict will become a Fish & Chehalis tribal members who are interested in
on much in his own training. Wildlife Enforcement Officer displaying their art should contact Sheilah Bray
The most memorable part of his for the department. Similar to a at 360-709-1783 or sbray@chehalistribe.org.
time at the academy was pepper patrol officer, the position oversees
spray training. He was hit in the and enforces laws for fishers YOUTH ACTIVITIES & MORE
eyes with the spray and had to and hunters on the reservation.
simulate conducting an arrest. Officers Jake Burnett and Gary Contact: Philip Youckton at 360-709-1752
Sutterlict had to call dispatch while Ortivez III round out the team or pyouckton@chehalistribe.org about the
enduring pain from the spray. The enforcing laws on the rivers or in tournaments, Cancer Walk or to be a vendor.
training is intended for officers the woods. Together, they ensure FOOD VENDORS: CHEHALIS TRIBAL MEMBERS
to learn how to work under stress people aren’t illegally fishing ONLY
and understand the seriousness of or hunting without the proper
carrying and using such a tool. permits on Chehalis tribal land.