By MARK BROWN

My thanks to the media for its role in sharing information with the family and our local community; however painful it was — and is — to hear.

Tuesday, [jail] Chief De Dennis informed me of his decision to retire from service.

To quote Chief Dennis, “Change is good. The jail has new supervisors, new staff, and will soon be getting updated equipment. There is a Correctional Specialist coming in to review and update the jail processes. I hope his recommendations will be implemented by new leadership. I have chosen to retire effective July 2, 2015.”

Following an employee due process hearing, I made the decision to terminate the employment of Lt. Pam McCarty. It is my opinion based on the investigation as presented to me that neither employee had any intent to harm an Island County inmate; that, however, is subject to further review. Both employees admitted the mistakes they made; both employees know the magnitude of what has happened.

Moving forward, Undersheriff [Kelly] Mauck and Interim Jail Chief Chris Garden are — and will be — working to implement new policies and procedures while at the same time ensuring employee understanding of those policies and procedures. Both will be accountable for operational management of the jail until such time as a new chief is hired.

For as long as I continue to serve as your sheriff I will work to rebuild this agency starting with a complete and transparent oversight (top to bottom) of the Island County Sheriff’s Office.

With the help of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, I am seeking and getting professional oversight to guide my direction moving forward. As soon as the professional assessments are rendered, I will provide full disclosure to all citizens and county government leaders as to what those recommendations are and how I intend to correct the problems identified.

Mark Brown is the Island County Sheriff. The jail in Coupeville and its staff are under his supervision.