Tribe helps sheriff buy pickup
Aug. 28, 2019
The Coos County Sheriff’s Office has a shiny new patrol rig, courtesy of the Coquille Indian Tribe.
Because the county provides patrol help on the Kilkich Reservation, the Tribe is allowed to pass along the benefits of the federal Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant program.
“That gives us an opportunity to give back to the neighboring community,” said Tribal Police Chief Scott LaFevre.
LaFevre explained that the Tribe applies for a COPS grant every two to three years and usually receives about $300,000. Though the Tribe’s own needs take first priority, LaFevre looks for opportunities to share. This year, the sheriff netted a four-wheel-drive Ford F-150.
“I think it helps immensely with our teamwork with the sheriff’s office,” LaFevre said.
Teamwork is important, because the Tribe’s four-person force can’t provide 24-hour, 365-day coverage on the reservation.
“That truck will be responding at Kilkich when we’re not here,” LaFevre said.