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Welcome to Episode 10 of the Protecting Our Community Podcast. I’m your host, Sgt. Tony Bittinger, with the Mukilteo Police Department. In our last episode, we sat down with Tiffany Krusey, our Domestic Violence Coordinator here at Mukilteo PD. Tiffany gave us some great insight into the work she does to help victims of domestic violence and their families navigate what can often be a complicated and difficult criminal justice system. Today, we’re joined by Yelena Stock, a prosecutor who works with the Mukilteo Police Department. Yelena brings a unique perspective to the conversation. She’s a Navy veteran, a wife, a mom, and a Latina who has built an impressive career in the legal field—from being a brand-new prosecutor to eventually becoming a co-owner of a law firm. Yelena also opens up about her experience spending time exclusively prosecuting Domestic Violence cases and the personal toll that work took on her. With October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, her story connects naturally with our conversation from Episode 9 and gives us another perspective on an issue that impacts so many people in our communities. This is an open, honest, and at times very personal conversation, and I really appreciate Yelena being willing to share her experiences with us. I hope you enjoy the episode, and as always, thank you for joining us on the Protecting Our Community Podcast. You can find us at: Mukilteo, WA | Official Website Facebook and Instagram If you're interested in Joining Mukilteo PD, go to: Join Mukilteo PD

Episode 9: Bridging the Gap for Victims of Domestic Violence Welcome to Episode 9 of the Protecting Our Community Podcast. In this episode, we’re joined by Tiffany Krusey, founder of Bridge Coordination Services LLC. Tiffany and her team work with the Mukilteo Police Department, as well as other law enforcement agencies throughout Snohomish County, providing Domestic Violence Coordination Services to victims of domestic violence. Tiffany founded Bridge Coordination Services in 2015 with a simple but important mission: to help bridge the gap between victims of crime and the systems that are intended to support them. Our conversation explores the challenges victims of domestic violence can face, the importance of having someone to help navigate the resources and systems available to them, and the work Tiffany and her team do to support victims during what can be an incredibly difficult time. This episode is being released on October 1, 2026, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, making this conversation especially timely. I hope you enjoy this episode and come away with a better understanding of domestic violence, the resources available to victims, and the important work being done in our community to support them. Thank you for listening to the Protecting Our Community Podcast. You can find us at: Mukilteo, WA | Official Website Facebook and Instagram If you're interested in Joining Mukilteo PD, go to: Join Mukilteo PD If you'd like to learn more about Bridge Coordination Services, you can find them online at: www.bcs-wa.com

Welcome to Episode 8 of the Protecting Our Community Podcast. In this episode, we are joined by special guest, Shannon Sessions. She is the wife of a Fire Dept. Battalion Chief, mother of five, Grandmother of two, U.S. Air Force veteran, former firefighter, longtime crime prevention specialist and public information officer during high-profile incidents and former elected official. Shannon has dedicated much of her life to serving others. Public Safety is more than a profession to her; it’s a lifelong passion. Today, Shannon serves as a First Responder Chaplin, and as the Executive Director of Support7, where she is building a sustainable future for this vital local crisis response organization that serves individuals and families during some of their most difficult moments. Please be aware that this episode makes reference to suicide, homicide and other manners of death. Some listeners may find this content disturbing and listener discretion is advised. Thank you for listening and I hope you find this episode memorable and informative. You can find us online at: Mukilteo, WA | Official Website Facebook and Instagram @Mukilteopolicedepartment If you're interested in joining our team, go to: JoinMukPD.com If you would like to learn more about Support7 or support them financially, go to: HOME If you would like to email Shannon directly, her email is [email protected]

Welcome to Episode 7 of the Protecting Our Community Podcast. In Episode 6, we sat down with Chief Illyn, who shared his perspective on a law enforcement career that began as a rookie police officer and culminated in his role as Chief of Police. In this episode, we're taking a look from the opposite end of that journey. Joining us is Officer McDaniels, the Mukilteo Police Department's newest police officer. He shares his experience navigating the hiring process, attending the police academy, completing field training, and ultimately earning the opportunity to serve the community as a solo patrol officer. As someone just beginning his career in law enforcement, Officer McDaniels offers a fresh and insightful perspective on what it's like to become a police officer today. Whether you're considering a career in law enforcement or you're one of our valued community members interested in learning more about the people behind the badge, we hope you'll enjoy this conversation. Thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy Episode 7. You can find us online at: Mukilteo, WA | Official Website Also on Facebook and Instagram If you're interested in joining our team, go to: Join Mukilteo PD

Welcome to Episode 6 of the Protecting Our Community Podcast. In this episode, I'm joined by a very special guest—Mukilteo Police Chief Andy Illyn, who also happens to be my boss. Chief Illyn began his law enforcement career right here at the Mukilteo Police Department and worked his way from a rookie patrol officer to serving as our Chief of Police. During our conversation, Chief Illyn reflects on his career, shares his perspective on the evolution of law enforcement, and offers valuable insights into leadership, serving the community, and what it means to lead a police department. Whether you're interested in law enforcement, leadership, or learning more about the people behind the badge, I think you'll enjoy this conversation. Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoy the episode. You can find us online at: Mukilteo, WA | Official Website Also on Facebook and Instagram If you're interested in joining our team, go to: Join Mukilteo PD

Welcome to Episode 5 of the Protecting Our Community Podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Jessie, an emergency services dispatcher with SNO911 and a fellow Mukilteo resident. Jessie provides a behind-the-scenes look at the critical role dispatchers play in public safety, sharing what it’s like to serve as the “first first responder” for police, fire, and emergency medical calls. Join us as we explore the challenges, rewards, and vital importance of emergency communications in keeping our community safe. If you'd like to learn more about SNO911, including their hiring process, see the below links.https://sno911.org/ https://sno911.org/careers/ https://smart911.com/ (to create a safety profile) https://988lifeline.org/ https://www.voaww.org/behavioralhealth  (additional info on 988) https://www.ready.gov/ You can find us at:Mukilteo, WA | Official WebsiteFacebook and InstagramIf you're interested in Joining Mukilteo PD, go to:Join Mukilteo PD

Welcome to Episode 4 of the Protecting Our Community Podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Stacey McShane, Task Force Manager for the Snohomish County DUI & Target Zero Task Force. Stacey also spent more than 20 years serving communities throughout Snohomish County as a 911 call taker and dispatcher. Drawing from her years of experience in public safety, Stacey shares valuable insight into the impact impaired driving has on individuals, families, and our community. We appreciate her taking the time to have this important conversation and hope you enjoy the episode. You can find us online atMukilteo, WA | Official WebsiteFacebook and Instagram @mukilteopolicedepartmentIf you're interested in joining our team, go to Join Mukilteo PD You can find out more about Stacey's online: @snocotargetzero

Welcome to Episode 3 of the Protecting Our Community Podcast. Today, we’re joined by Kate Rossart, president of the Mukilteo Police Foundation. Despite balancing a full-time career and a busy family life, Kate devotes countless hours to supporting the Foundation’s mission. In this episode, she shares her experiences, her passion for service, and how the Foundation plays a vital role in supporting both our officers and our community.

Welcome to Episode 2 of the Protecting Our Community Podcast. In this episode, we sit down with an incredible woman who is both the wife of a police officer and the mother of one. She offers a heartfelt and powerful perspective on what it truly means to love and support a cop. I hope you enjoy this special conversation. You can find us online at Mukilteo, WA | Official WebsiteFacebook and Instagram @mukilteopolicedepartmentIf you're interested in joining our team, go to Join Mukilteo PD

Protecting Our Community Podcast Episode 1, hosted by Mukilteo PD (WA) Sgt. Tony Bittinger. In this episode, Sgt. Bittinger introduces himself and covers some of his background, as well as explaining the intent of the podcast. You can find us at:Mukilteo, WA | Official WebsiteFacebook and Instagram @mukilteopolice departmentRecruiting at Join Mukilteo PD