ROTARY CLUB OF EVERETT
MEETING:
President Michael Kvistad started the 50th meeting of the year and the 5,600th meeting of the Rotary Club of Everett with the Pledge of Allegiance.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
Kari Quaas presented a quote by Jean de La Fontaine from The Fox and The Grapes.
INTRODUCTION OF VISITING ROTARIANS AND GUESTS:
Barb George introduced Joan Packard, Everett Museum volunteer, Janice Ellis introduced Joe Scriven, CEO of Bethany Northwest, Glen Bachman introduced Henry from Smith Island Facility, and Tammy Dunn introduced Lilia Echols.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Brian Hollingshead stated that the Rotary After Hours is at Anna Marie Laurence’s house on June 26th at 5 pm.
Heather Barnhart stated that the American Red Cross Blood Drive is Friday, June 27th and it is full.
Rotary International 2026 Convention is offering early early bird registration. Kari Petrasek stated that the convention is June 13-17 in Taipei.
President Michael stated that the Rotary International President for 2025-2026 is Francesco Arezzo, a member of the Rotary Club of Ragusa, Italy.
HAPPY DOLLARS/BIRTHDAY BUCKS:
President Michael is excited to get tickets to Judy Collins who is playing at the Edmonds Center 4 the Arts this fall.
Henry, guest, was happy that his wife was able to get the cows back in as the cows broke out of the pasture.
Heather Barnhart was birthday happy and happy that the “cows came home”. Happy Birthday, Heather!
RAFFLE:
There was a reminder to donate more prizes to the Raffle Committee.
- Winner Number 1 – Heather Barnhart selected the wine and cookie.
- Winner Number 2 – Henry, guest, selected the coffee and coffee tumbler.
- Winner Number 3 – Megan Dunn received candy and the Everett AquaSox shirt.
PROGRAM:
Kari Petrasek introduced Everett Police Chief John DeRousse and Everett Police Deputy Chief Jeff Hendrickson. Police Chief DeRousse has worked in law enforcement for 34 years. Deputy Chief Hendrickson has worked in law enforcement for 27 years.
Chief DeRousse talked about managing a police department. The Everett Police Department has a mission statement that they follow. The department works in partnership with the community and focuses on enhancing the quality of life for the citizens.
Chief DeRousse mentioned three challenges law enforcement faces.
- Short Staffing – Many police officers have left and less are applying. Staffing is down 20 officers. The department is focused on how to best serve the community.
- Changes in the State Laws – Washington State has changed laws to ensure that what happened several years ago with the George Floyd does not happen again. The department is focused on getting the officers engaged in public.
- Budget – Expenses have increased, and the revenue has not increased as much.
The tenure of a police officer on patrol is 2-3 year on force rather than 10+ years. Chief Hendrickson stated that this is a great opportunity.
Chief DeRousse provided us with statistics.
- 1263 stolen cars in Everett in 2023
- 200 shot fires called in 2023
As of February 2025, there have been 20 stolen cars. A 75% reduction. Technology is helping the department to be creative in reducing costs and helping the officers to be engaged.
President Michael thanked Chief John DeRousse and Deputy Chief Jeff Hendrickson. Thanked the guests for attending.
NEXT PROGRAM: Changing of the Guard and Year End Acknowledgements
Respectfully Submitted,
Tammy Dunn
Photographs Submitted,
Tammy Dunn