Deputy Josh Pratt Selected Deputy of the Year by Lilac Festival Association
Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich and Spokane Valley Police Chief David Ellis would like to congratulate Deputy Josh Pratt on his selection as the Lilac Festival Association’s Deputy of the Year. Deputy Pratt was selected because of his hard work and dedication while serving as the Homeless Outreach Deputy for the Spokane Valley Police Department. Deputy Pratt will be recognized at the President’s Gala on May 20, 2022, and will also be driving in the 2022-Armed Forces Torchlight Parade on May 21, 2022.
Midway through 2021, the Spokane Valley City Council created the Homeless Outreach Deputy position. Deputy Pratt was selected as the first deputy to serve in that role. With very little guidance, Deputy Pratt hit the ground running and made the position a valuable resource for the agency and the city of Spokane Valley.
On January 4, 2022, Deputy Pratt assisted the Spokane Valley Fire department by responding to a motorhome fire. Deputy Pratt immediately recognized the victims from a contact a few days prior. The fire destroyed the motorhome along with all their possessions. Deputy Pratt was able to get services for the victims within two hours. Deputy Pratt provided a ride, picked up food and clothing, and helped them get checked into a hotel. Deputy Pratt stayed in touch with the victims for two weeks and learned one of the victims had a job interview but didn’t have appropriate clothes to wear. Deputy Pratt provided his own personal dress shirt along with two suitcases to help safely transport clothes between hotels. Deputy Pratt’s actions went above and beyond his required duties and showed his compassion for the people he contacts regularly.
During the first quarter of 2022, Deputy Pratt has provided 174 referrals to homeless services, taken 14 people to shelters, 12 people to the stabilization center, and made 530 citizen contacts.
Deputy Pratt, your dedication to the community, is inspiring; thank you for everything you do, and congratulations on the selection.
