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Spokane County sheriff warns of rising fentanyl; says Deer Park rates lower
Summary
Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels told the Deer Park City Council on March 4 that opioid-related deaths and calls for service have climbed in the county, attributing much of the rise to fentanyl while noting Deer Park's fentanyl use appears lower than the county average.
Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels briefed the Deer Park City Council on March 4 about opioid trends in Spokane County, saying the county has seen higher opioid death rates and calls for service than comparable counties and linking much of that increase to fentanyl exposure. "Fentanyl use is high but not dominant," Nowels said, and he added that "cocaine was making its way back into our community."
Nowels told the council that, based on county data and local enforcement contacts, fentanyl-related incidents within Deer Park city limits are lower than the rest of the county. Council members asked follow-up questions during a brief question-and-answer period; the transcript records the Q&A but does not detail specific follow-up answers or statistics.
Why it matters: Countywide increases in opioid deaths have budget and public-safety implications for Deer Park and neighboring jurisdictions; Sheriff Nowels' briefing highlighted changing drug patterns the council may need to consider when reviewing public-safety resources and interagency coordination. The sheriff's remarks did not propose a specific Deer Park policy action; the council did not take formal action on the briefing.
