Community First with Sheriff Udell: Law Enforcement’s Role in Youth Substance Prevention

In this episode, we explore the role law enforcement plays in substance use prevention, with a focus on its longstanding involvement in Yakima Valley schools. We're honored to welcome Sheriff Robert Udell of the Yakima County Sheriff's Office — a trusted leader in our community’s efforts to promote safety, prevention, and positive youth development.

Sheriff Udell isn't just a law enforcement leader; he's a lifelong Yakima County resident with deep roots, whose family arrived in the 1890s. With an extensive 35-year career spanning nearly every facet of the Sheriff's Office – from patrol and detective work in major crimes to being a D.A.R.E. officer in schools for five years, and now serving his seventh year as Sheriff – he brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective. As the current chair of Safe Yakima Valley, Sheriff Udell is deeply invested in collaborative prevention work and making Yakima a safer community to raise our youth.