On June 29, 2019, newly elected Sheriff Joe came out to our neck of the woods for Coffee and Donuts with a Cop. Held at our community center, the event was sponsored by the Coyle Women’s Club. We had a full house, just like other neighborhood gatherings with previous sheriffs and deputies.

During Q&A, I brought up an issue with duck hunters shooting rifles in Fisherman Harbor from their boat. This harbor is only 500 feet at it’s widest section, with medium- to high-bank homes on both sides of the shoreline; not terribly populated, but still, ricocheting bullets might possibly pose a danger. There is a no-shooting zone surrounding the harbor. Is the harbor part of that zone? Did we need to contact JCSO or DNR or WDFW to assist? 

Also, out of curiosity, and truly wondering what the scope is for the sheriff’s department, I asked him how many miles of county shoreline JCSO patrols? I figured he would know as he had been with the same office for over 30 years and it’s his jurisdiction. 

Joe said he did not know, would find out and get back to me. 

I’m still waiting for an answer. 

It’s OK, Joe, no worries — I’ll just ask Art. 

From previous experience,
I expect Art will get back to me with a helpful, exact, and courteous answer ASAP. 

Probably tomorrow! 

Karen A. Grooms
THE COYLE