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Chief's Corner

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 WELCOME!


In late summer 2022, the City of Orting set out to appoint a new Police Chief who would be tasked with leading the department into the future.  After the search and application process, the city chose me to fill this role.  I have lived in Orting for the past 21 years, and am an active member of the community.  I have 22 years of Law Enforcement experience, and began my career with the City of Federal Way Police Department.  After making a lateral transfer to the Orting Police Department in April of 2007, I found myself working for a community that I love. 

 I am fortunate enough to be a Police Chief at a time where change has become the new normal.   Over the last 10 years, it has become evident that change is needed throughout the Criminal Justice System.   Citizens hold their government and elected officials to the highest of standards and expect public agencies to be dynamic and open to change.  I view this as an opportunity for the Orting Police Department.   By welcoming change, we can take advantage of new programs, resources, and funding to become more modern, implement new ideas, and take advantage of emerging industry trends.  Welcoming change enables us to be more skillful, effective, and professional.   I am excited to have been given the opportunity to bring new ideas to the department, and I am honored to be your Chief of Police.

 

Devon Gabreluk

Chief of Police
     

 

Heat and River Safety - Tips from the Orting Police Department

Post Date:06/25/2021 12:27 AM

Each year as the weather starts to warm up, the Orting Police Department likes to remind folks about some of the dangers relating to swimming in the surrounding rivers.   The Carbon and Puyallup rivers frame the City of Orting and are responsible for making it a beautiful and unique place to live and work. 

We feel safe near our rivers and for many of us, they are part of our daily routine; we see them  while driving to and from work, enjoy them while walking the trails, and fish from them in the fall.  Yet each spring and summer, Orting Police and Fire Department staff are dispatched to emergencies involving citizens who underestimate  some of the dangers our rivers can pose.  As we look at the potential for record breaking heat this weekend,  many will turn to the Carbon and Puyallup rivers for an opportunity to cool off.  For those that do, please consider some of the following information to ensure you remain safe while near the water:

 

  • Orting rivers are directly fed by glacier melt water located on Mount Rainer.  Even on the hottest days, this water is bitterly cold and dangerous for swimmers.  Hypothermia can occur quickly and overtake even the best of swimmers.

     

  • Rivers are unpredictable and always changing.  There may be hidden dangers such as submerged objects, changing currents and varying depths. The fact that you may have recently visited the river does not mean the river will be the same as it was the last time you were there.

     

  • Children, pets, and even adults are easily caught in rapid currents that may not be visible from the surface.   Currents can quickly sweep  people and pets downstream or cause them to become stranded on secluded islands that are difficult for help to reach. 

  • If you find yourself stranded on a secluded or hard to reach portion of land, do not attempt to swim back. Call for help immediately and stay dry.
  • Stay sober when on or in the water.  Alcohol and other drugs increase the effects of weather, temperature, and overall judgement.
  •  Never swim alone, and do not allow children to play unattended near the water.
  • If you choose to go in or near the water, consider wearing a life jacket as a precaution.
  •  Consider alternatives to river swimming such as an air-conditioned movie theater, or visiting a local cooling center.

 

We hope you enjoy the warm weekend.   Stay cool and be safe!

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