INSIDE
Read our special Holiday Guide section inserted in this edition of the Islands’ Weekly.
Sheriff’s Log
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Aging column
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Round the County
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www.islandsweekly.com 360-376-4500 GIFT IDEAS | EVENTS | STORIES
Lopez Holiday Bazaar
The
Islands’ eekly W
VOLUME 37, NUMBER 47 • NOVEMBER 25, 2014
Undersheriff Distler says goodbye
A supplement of the Journal of the San Juan Islands, Islands' Sounder, Islands' Weekly
Sat., November 29 10 am to 3 pm Lopez School Gymnasium Featuring Many Exciting Quality Arts & Crafts Fantastic raffle prizes, including many gift certificates from local shops & restaurants, multiple overnight getaways & diverse professional services. Delicious Food • Bake Sale • Santa Photos Contact Candice at 468-2678 for more info.
Proceeds benefit the Lopez Preschool
It has been two years since Bruce has swung a club, but now he will have plenty of time to perfect his game. He also looks forward to riding his Harley Davidson. “What I will miss most is the friends we’ve made,” he said. Bruce was appointed to undersheriff in 2013. That month Sheriff Rob Nou told the Sounder that Bruce was chosen for his education, experience, personality, temperament and philosophy. The undersheriff has a master’s degree in manage-
Open 11 am – 5 pm
ment and criminal justice from Colorado Technical University. He has spent nearly 22 years as a law enforcement officer, serving San Juan County since 2006. Prior to beginning his police career, he served 22 years with the Air Force, retiring as a master sergeant in aeromedical evacuation. He is a drug recognition expert, specially trained to determine if people are under the influence of drugs other than alcohol. Bruce said there was a huge learning curve transitioning from his job as a deputy being on the road to working as an administrator and leader. The undersheriff is considered the second in command of the sheriff’s office. Bruce supervised sergeants, detectives, corrections officers and the traffic officer.
Annual Craft Fair
NEW HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS FROM SWAP!
By Cali Bagby Weekly editor
On Monday, Undersheriff Bruce Distler will get on a ferry with his wife Bonni, their car and trailer and say farewell to the island he has called home for the last eight and a half years. Bruce and Bonni are moving to Green Valley, Ariz. They first “fell” for the state when the visited last year and decided that it was the place for retirement. Bruce describes Green Valley as a 55-plus community with “absolutely killer recreation,” including swimming pools and plenty of golf.
Just Heavenly Fudge Saturday Nov 29th We will donate 15% of your purchase to the Preschool Bazaar Sat., Dec. 6 10 am-3 pm and Sun., Dec. 7 10 am-3 pm Come join us for a wide array of arts and crafts from all islands.
Any questions, call Kathy or Sydney 468-2233
Lopez Union Cemetery Annual
Wreath Sale
Islander
Resort
Family owned since 1997
Friends of the Library Book Sale! FRIDAY, NOV. 28 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Lopez Island Community Center
Crafts & Gifts RED BAG SALE! Nov. 28 to Dec. 6 10 am – 2 pm
AT THE UNION CEMETERY WORKSHOP
Pre-order your fresh wreaths by calling 468-3032 from 10 am to 2 pm
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! FILL A FREE “RED BAG” FOR $20!
Huge selection of used books, DVDs, and audiobooks! All proceeds benefit the Lopez Island Library
2014 JUNK BOND by Brenna Jael A 4-color collectible DUMP ART CARDS by Christa Malay 9 different scenes from the Lopez Dump Available from the SWAP booth at the Pre-School Bazaar Sat, November 29 & Islander Craft Fair Sat-Sun, December 6-7 Junk Bonds also sold at Paper Scissors SUPPORTS THE LOPEZ DUMP!
As a deputy, Bruce recalls that he “knew” how to fix everything that he could do a better job than those in higher positions. As undersheriff the realities of problem solving had a new meaning. He realized that decisions are not always based on what will make others happy but are more about balancing the budget and working with the county and the community. Bruce also learned over his career in law enforcement how to deal with traumatic situations like car accidents and suicides. He said people would be shocked to hear how police talk to one another in these situations. “Your mental functions in these cases try to protect you from going crazy,” he said. One part of his job that always made him feel satisfied is that of all the trauma he has witnessed none of it has ever been caused by his hand. “I’ve never had to fire my weapon at another human being,” he said. Bruce also says he is proud of the fact that everyone he has worked with, from witness to victim to those being arrested, have respected the way he does his job. “It goes back to my original training to treat everyone the way you would want to be treated,” he said. SEE UNDERSHERIFF, PAGE 8
Open Fri & Sat 7am-5pm Sun 7am to 4 pm Thru Nov 30th Holly B's Cookbook, Holiday Stollen, Gingerbread People, Granola, Holly B's Coffee Beans and Holly B's T-shirts make wonderful gifts to give or send.
Many Thanks for a terrific 2014 season!
468-2133