FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2024
WWW.GRANTSPASSTRIBUNE.COM
Veteran dispatcher Jackie Pulyer bids farewell after 25 years of dedicated service Source: Grants Pass Police Dept. This past week marked the retirement of Jackie Pulyer, a stalwart presence in the Grants Pass dispatch center. As she hangs up her headset, colleagues and community members alike reflect on her quarter-century commitment as a guardian angel, en-
Contributed photo
Jackie Puyler with police chief Warren Hensman.
suring public safety and providing a steady hand during emergencies. Jackie’s journey in public service began in January 1999 when she started as a records clerk for the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office. By March of the same year, she transitioned into a dispatcher role for the Sheriff’s Office, only to face a temporary layoff in October 2000 due to budget constraints. Undeterred, she swiftly found a new home as a City dispatcher, where she has remained ever since. Over her illustrious 25-year career, Jackie served as a training officer for more than two decades, shaping and mentoring much of the current dispatch staff. Despite holding a supervisory role for two years, she willingly stepped down, realizing her true passion lay in the hands-on work of dispatching. Jackie’s commitment to public education is evident through her active participation in the Citizens Police Academy as a pre-
senter for numerous years. She consistently sought opportunities to teach the community about the intricacies of emergency dispatch and law enforcement. Reflecting on her career, Jackie shared, “There are many things I love about the job. I’ve always thought of it as my human footprint, the phone contact made with those in crisis - and there are some I will always remember.” She emphasized the responsibility that comes with being potentially the last person someone in crisis talks to, underscoring the importance of trust and quick decision-making. Acknowledging the agency’s confidence in her decision-making during emergent situations, Jackie expressed gratitude for the opportunities for training that helped sharpen her skills. As an ardent advocate for the profession, she actively participated in teaching 911 in Citizens Police Academy classes and engaged with the next generation in high school classes for those inter-
Hunters take note before you vote Joe Biden tries again to restrict your god given rights
By: Allen Nugent WASHINGTON, DC – The Biden administration unveiled its revised plans on Thursday to implement restrictions on the equipment used by hunters in federal refuges, a decision met with strong opposition from sportsmen groups. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) introduced the 2023-2024 hunting and fishing rule, an annual framework outlining regulations for the upcoming hunting season. The rule outlines a ban on cost-effective lead ammunition and fishing tackle across eight national wildlife refuges by 2026. While environmental groups have expressed support for this move, hunters argue that it could be a subtle
attack on hunting as a whole. Lawrence Keane, the senior vice president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, criticized the decision, stating, “This is the latest example of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service creating rules that punish hunters, threaten conservation funding, and advance special interests without sound scientific evidence that traditional lead ammunition is causing detrimental impacts on wildlife populations.” The FWS rule, proposed on Thursday, prohibits sportsmen from using lead ammunition or tackle in eight federally managed refuges, including Blackwater in Maryland, Chincoteague in Virginia, Eastern Neck in Maryland, Erie in Pennsylvania, Great Thicket in Massachusetts, Patuxent Research Refuge in Maryland, Rachel Carson in Maine, and Wallops Island Nation in Virginia. This prohibition is
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see HUNTERS, page 3
Contributed photo
Jackie Puyler in her early career days.
ested in law enforcement. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement, Jackie! Your 25 years of dedicated service have made a lasting impact on our community, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for your unwavering commitment to public safety. Thank you.
Navigating intimacy in the PostCOVID Era By: Samantha Yellen As our small community grapples with the question of whether STDs pose a concern, the current emphasis on personal well-being has prompted individuals to actively seek information on preventing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This quest for knowledge is particularly relevant in the context of navigating the modern dating landscape, where the ubiquity of dating apps such as Tinder and the age-old tradition of “Netflix & Chill” nights introduce both excitement and potential risks.
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see POST, page 5