By Bill Elfo
Thank you to the citizens of Birch Bay, Blaine, Custer and surrounding areas for your continued support of the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. Following years of budget reductions and limitations, we are now nearly up to previous staffing levels. This will increase the availability of your neighborhood deputy and our general 24-hour patrol response capabilities.
With your help, we were able to solve strings of burglaries, thefts and neighborhood disturbances. Over the past year, we experienced significant thefts of unsecured equipment such as power lawn equipment, boat motors and other valuable items. We continue to urge citizens to protect their property and report suspicious activity.
In January, neighborhood deputy Mike King will transfer to the position of marine patrol coordinator. He will be replaced by deputy Todd Damon. Todd is a former east county neighborhood deputy and is well acquainted with concepts of community policing and working with citizens to solve problems.
As part of our emergency management plan and through the generosity of Phillips 66, the sheriff’s office acquired a new Tsunami early warning siren for Birch Bay. Given events across the country, we trained for and conducted a major “active shooter” response exercise with a focus on schools.
The sheriff’s office and all local law enforcement continue to be challenged with failing infrastructure and the lack of jail space. The county council formed task forces to make recommendations for replacing the jail and increasing the availability of mental health and substance abuse treatment alternatives.
As your Sheriff, I am very proud of our team at the sheriff’s office. I know they appreciate your
support.
On behalf of our entire team, please accept best wishes for a happy and safe New Year.
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