Councilman Hill addressed the Cowlitz County Board to request a county-led briefing about Team Rubicon, a veteran-led nonprofit that deploys skilled volunteers for disaster response.

Hill described Team Rubicon as an organization that "deploys within hours, literally," and said he would like the county to convene emergency-management leaders, police chiefs and the sheriff so the group could present "what it is that Team Rubicon does, can do, and the role they can play." (Councilman Hill)

He cited local vulnerabilities, telling the board that if a sediment-retention wall at Spirit Lake failed there could be "about 7 to 9 feet of mud in Kelso City Hall," underscoring the need for local preparedness. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the group’s structure and chapter map; Hill said he is building state coverage and has plans for outreach in northern and central Washington. Commissioner (S3) and Chair (S1) offered assistance in organizing a briefing and recruiting local participants.

What happens next: Commissioners and staff agreed to work with Hill to schedule a county briefing for Team Rubicon and relevant emergency-response partners.