State Veterans Affairs presents certificate; Lacey to place 988 emblem on city vehicles

Representatives from the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs presented the City of Lacey with a certificate of appreciation Jan. 7 for the city’s work to increase awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and to place the 988 emblem on city vehicles.

Don (veteran advocate) spoke about the emblem’s local importance and fundraising tied to emblem sales. “Implementing the MLMs on all your vehicles for the city of Lacey is gonna make such a huge impact to the community as a whole,” Don said, noting that proceeds from emblem sales fund community‑based veteran mental‑health programs. He said last year the program awarded approximately $11,000 to an equine‑assisted therapy program for veterans.

A representative introduced as David from the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs presented the certificate and thanked the city for its partnership. “We also have a certificate that we wanted to present… thank you for helping increase awareness of the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline and bringing hope to communities across our state,” David said.

Mayor Andy Reider and council members received the certificate and posed for photos with the VA delegation. During public remarks, the mayor and other speakers related a personal family suicide and described the city’s veterans hub as a response to local need; one speaker said the Lacey Veterans Services Hub has provided services to veterans locally and beyond.

The presentation did not include a council vote or ordinance; it functioned as a public recognition and partnership update. Staff said emblem sales revenue is allocated to community‑based veteran mental‑health programs.