Medical Lake SCOPE open house looks to strengthen community ties

By JAMES EIK

Staff Reporter

The Espanola-Medical Lake SCOPE office will host an open house Sept. 10 from noon to 3 p.m. Bennett Taylor, chairperson for the Espanola-Medical Lake SCOPE office, said that this is the first year that the SCOPE office will host an open house, although they have assisted with other events in the community.

SCOPE officers help Spokane County Sheriff deputies enforce local events, like the Blue Waters Bluegrass festival and Founder's Day. They are also available to keep students safe walking to and from school.

Officers make 12-hour shifts throughout the day in the Espanola and Medical Lake area.

Taylor said that the open house has two goals: inform the public about the office, and to allow them to speak to officers in a more relaxed environment.

“The first time you usually see a deputy is when you see the lights behind you,” he said.

This type of atmosphere, he said, makes it more open for residents to bring issues they may face to SCOPE officers. The office believes that their work is all about helping area residents develop stronger bonds.

Despite the stigma surrounding police officers, Taylor said that SCOPE officers are there to help when needed. And he speaks from personal experience.

Taylor's daughter was driving along a highway when her car broke down. A nearby SCOPE officer pulled alongside her and made sure she was secured.

Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich will be on hand for a meet and greet throughout the event. Free food will also be available at the open house, including hot dogs, chips and ice cream.

SCOPE officers will also be handing out bicycle helmets and school supplies for those in attendance.

Attendees can buy tickets in a raffle to win a laptop, one of several bicycles, gift certificates, backpacks and other prizes.

Several local merchants have donated gift certificates and coupons toward the event.

Taylor hopes that this isn't the last open house for the office. “We're going to try and make it a yearly thing,” he said. “We're trying to give back to the community.”

The Espanola-Medical Lake SCOPE office is located at 111 West Brooks Road in Medical Lake. For more information call their office at (509) 299-7525 or visit their website at http://www.scopemedicallake.org.

James Eik can be reached at [email protected].