Sheriff and staff discuss emergency sirens and volunteer-backed Big Island cleanup after tornado

Sheriff’s office staff updated the board about recent weekend events and emergency responses, and commissioners discussed the operation and control of community sirens.

Sheriff (name not provided) said the office has been busy supporting events and storm responses and that the county sets sirens for severe weather and other significant local hazards. He acknowledged a recent incident in which sirens did not activate as expected and said the office is investigating the cause. The sheriff cautioned that technical details of siren activation and control are not public for security reasons but said dispatch sets tones and the office is working to consolidate and standardize siren management across jurisdictions.

Separately, county parks, forestry and maintenance staff will spend a day clearing and creating a new walking path on Big Island after a tornado last June left old‑growth forest areas impassable. Gary (last name not stated), county parks/forestry supervisor, told the board crews and supervisors were working with volunteers and the Department of Natural Resources to reopen a route for hikers and campers; county commissioners praised the effort and volunteers who monitor the island.

Commissioners thanked emergency management staff (Clayton Berg was named by a commissioner) for communications during recent storms and asked staff to continue investigation into any siren malfunctions.