The Josephine County Board of Commissioners took time during its weekly business session yesterday to honor two groups of people who have gone far beyond the call of duty on the behalf of others.
The Board first presented certificates to eight members of Parkwatch Grants Pass who volunteer to keep city parks clean and free of drug paraphernalia and trash. The presentation followed a video that showed the group cleaning up parks and a large amount of drug paraphernalia collected from their efforts. Under the banner "Parks are For Kids," the group is always looking for more volunteers.
The Commissioners then honored four members of the Josephine County Sheriff's Office who saved the life of a co-worker in early February. Certificates were given to Lieutenant Geiger, Detective Sergeant Henrich and Evidence Technicians Kayla Lauer and Haylee Bayard who used an automatic external defibrillator to save the life of Doug DuLong after he suffered a critical cardiac event.
There were no public hearings, administrative action items or proclamations on the agenda.
During the public comment period, a woman praised local law enforcement and criticized sex education in schools, a man gave his reasons for the separation of church and state, and another man requested the return of the OSU Extension Service to Josephine County.
Newly-appointed Grants Pass Budget Committee member Mike Pelfrey praised the efforts of Parkwatch Grants Pass and criticized the leadership of the city. His wife Winnie Pelfrey said she believes local nonprofit groups are enabling the homeless to continue living unhealthy lifestyles.
