Lexington Wa. - Fire and law enforcement personnel responeded to the dredge spoils near 141 Cowlitz Dr, Kelso. Deputies were first to arrive and located a brush fire on the spoils between Cowlitz Dr and Lexington Bridge Dr moving south. Fire department personnel from Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue, Cowlitz Fire District 5, and the Department of Natural Resources responded. The fire spread to approximately 1 acre before being extinguish. There were no injuries or damage to structures.
A witness stated that approximately 5 to 10 high school aged males were seen running from the area after reportedly detonating a mortar type device. Deputies checked the area but did not locate the suspects. A DNR fire investigator has been requested to determine the cause of the fire.
Anyone with information regarding this incident please contact Sergeant Andy Nunes at (360) 577-3092 .
People who wish to remain anonymous can do so using their smart phones and the tip411 app.
The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division, will begin hosting an Adventures in Boating certification course. Classes are open to any individual who needs to obtain a Washington State Boaters Education Card. The next available class will be held on Saturday, June 30th, 2018. The class will run from 8am-3:00pm at the Cowlitz County Search and Rescue Building, 1800 Western Lane in Kelso.
To Register: Contact Deputy Jordan Spencer via email at j@co.cowlitz.wa.us">spencerj@co.cowlitz.wa.us . This one day class will certify you to operate a vessel in the state of Washington. Registrations fill up fast.
Reminder: All vessel operators age 59 and younger must have a Washington Boaters Education Card to operate a vessel in Washington State. For additional information and resources, check out www.boatered.org.
Longview, Wash -
On June 4, 2018 the Cowlitz County Sheirff's Office was contacted by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). WSDOT was notified on May 29, 2018 the electronic road sign west of Germany Creek Rd on Ocean Beach Hwy was not functioning properly. The malfuction was reported to the equipment rental business. WSDOT was billed $2,280 for repairs to the sign. It was determined the sign damage was due to someone shooting the sign on or around May 29, 2018. If you have any information related to this case you are encourage to contact Deputy Stumph at the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office at (360)577-3092. Please reference case number A18-1723.
[ Media -please include -> ] People provide tips anonymously by using their smart phone to send a text to CCSOTIP using the TIP411 APP.
Kalama, Washington - The Cowlitz Sheriff's Office received word of a man in the middle of the Columbia River yelling for help. While the Sheriff boat was enroute to the call, other boaters in the area arrived and tried to help the man but he told them to "go away". The Sheriff's Office boat arrived and the man told them he did not need help; that he was just trying to swim across the river. The man told deputies not be be concerned because "God has my back". After further discussion the deputies were able to convince the man that he should come on board their boat, as they were in the middle of the Columbia River and the swimmer was very tired, and very cold. It was when the deputies got the man, who was in his mid twenties, they learned he was completely naked.
The location was straight out in the river from Kalama.
The Deputies called for an ambulance as the man was very cold and had consumed a large amount of water. He was taken to a hospital. (not sure which one.)
We do not have the name of the man at this time, he said he was a Kalama resident.
Kelso, Wash - The Cowlitz County Sheriff's Marine Patrol received a call of a man who was clinging to his capsized boat in the Cowlitz River in Kelso. Deputies responded and they were able to pull the man on board. The man, Wayne Snaza, 57 years, said that he had been in the water for about an hour.
Snaza said the outboard motor on his 12 foot aluminum boat became loose and that contributed to the boat sinking in the river. Snaza who did not have a PFD (Life vest) was very cold and had a hard time moving when the deputies arrived.
The deputies, Nate Hockett and Sgt Troy Brightbill were able to tow the sunken boat to the shore for Snaza.
Firefighters from Longview Fire and District 2 Fire responded and manned the bank ready to help if needed. Snaza was checked by medical aid, but he declined to be transported to the hospital.
CCD. Charlie Rosenzweig states "The water is still dangerous cold this time of year and people need to be very cautious. Boaters should wear life vests so if an accident happens they are prepared."
The photo attached was taken by the Longview Fire.
The Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office is currenlty accepting applications to join the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Reserve Unit. This is an opportunity to make a positive impact locally whether you are seeking a career in law enforcement or not. Reserve Deputies are considered members of the Office and carry a limited commission upon completion of the Reserve Academy. This is a volunteer position whose primary purpose is to support Sheriff's Office Deputies and promote effective county law enforcement. They assist with patrol, provide security at the Cowlitz County Fair, and assist with searches or other law enforcement activities as needed.
The Washington State Reserve Academy will be held in Kelso starting January 2019. Academy classes run approximately 24 weeks and will be held every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6:30 - 9:00 and most Saturdays.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license, and a high school diploma or GED. They must also pass a written test, a half mile obstacle course run, an in-depth background investigation, oral interview, polygraph, and psychological examination.
Applications can be picked up in person at the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office and must be completed and submitted by November 15.
For more information email Deputy Fred Taylor at f@co.cowlitz.wa.us">taylorf@co.cowlitz.wa.us .
In preparation for the upcoming boating season, which typically starts Memorial Day weekend, Sheriff Mark Nelson says the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting courtesy ramp vessel safety inspections and will also have a boat on area waters all weekend for on-water inspections and enforcement.
On Saturday May 26th 2018, from 8am to noon, Deputies will be at the Willow Grove Boat Launch and the Yale Boat Launch. Deputies will be conducting courtesy ramp inspections and will have Carbon Monoxide stickers for those who don’t have them, and 2018 Marine Safety Inspection stickers for those who pass. The goal of this is a SAFE 2018 boating season and a summer without drownings or serious incidents.
Remember:
- Operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a crime.
- Accidents involving human powered craft (canoe, kayak, SUP) are on the rise.
- The water is and remains very cold in our region even though air temperature isn’t.
- Boat safely and please wear your life jacket. It floats-you don’t.