Nearby airport improvements bring fear of increased noise
REPORTER
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MERCER ISLAND
SOUND PUBLISHING, INC.
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VOLUME 63, NUMBER 26
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After 35 years Mercer Island PD bids farewell to Cpl. Pritchard He is one of city’s longest-serving employees. By Ashley Hiruko ahiruko@soundpublishing.com
Patrol Cpl. John Pritchard always knew he’d one day get involved with law enforcement. That was after he got over his initial stint of wanting to be a bus driver. After that desire faded, at the age of 5, he settled on joining the police force. He stayed committed to those young dreams, having spent his whole life in some kind of law enforcement role — the longest being 35 years of service at the Mercer Island Police Department. He began in 1984, at age 31. Last month, Pritchard retired at the age of 66 and the city said goodbye to one of its longest-serving employees. The city threw him a barbeque cookout send-off in honor of his time at Mercer. “I really appreciated John’s approach to law enforcement,” said police Chief Ed Holmes. “Not only did he have institutional knowledge … but he had direct positive connections with citizens and business owners, many of whom reached out to attend his
retirement party.” Commander Jeff Magnan said Pritchard went out of his way to mentor new officers, who he affectionately referred to as “kids,” in the ways of law enforcement and interacting with citizens. He would speak of how things used to be. Fellow officers even called him “Pappy.” Others at the police department agreed. “When I first started my career at MIPD, John was always eager to teach me new things and had a unique approach to police work,” corporal Todd Roggenkamp said. “His positive attitude and good work ethic were very appreciated. I will miss how he called everybody ‘Kid’ even if they were over 50.”
By Ashley Hiruko ahiruko@soundpublishing.com
At one point it may have been considered a radical idea, but for those sleeping under bridges, on park benches or in cars, a wooden structure with a roof, door and lock offers a secure and dry place See TINY, Page 15
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During Pritchard’s career, he spent time in the military police and as a campus cop at the University of Washington. He began working narcotics at UW, but it wasn’t
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Due to budget cuts, the city of Mercer Island canceled several events including its largest and longest-running Summer Celebration. But despite the cuts, Islanders are making an effort to keep activities running in the city. Larry Sarchin, a long-time
resident, said the effort started a few weeks ago on the website, Nextdoor. Islanders were commenting about the loss of the Proposition 1 levy measure (in November 2018) and how there would be no Summer Celebration. Instead of mourning, Sarchin said he decided to do something about it. “Why don’t we just start our own summer celebration?”
Cpl. John Pritchard retired last month.
Sarchin said he suggested on Nextdoor. “We’re capable humans.” In just a matter of weeks, Sarchin said Islanders planned the first ever All-Island Fourth of July Picnic. The All-Island Fourth of July Picnic will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at Mercerdale Park (3009 77th Ave. SE). Activities will include kids activities like
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Tiny home villages offer a path toward permanent housing Beginning talks happening on Eastside village partnership.
Residents plan the first All-Island Fourth of July Picnic By Stephanie Quiroz
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2019
bubble blowing and a soccer obstacle course, adult games like cornhole and giant Jenga, guided nature walks and kids’ story times. Islanders are encouraged to bring their own food. Sarchin said they’re “just starting a picnic,” with no agenda. It’s only been in the
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