Whatcom County Sheriff's Office

09/04/2026

A couple things about Deputy Jordan Andersen are easily apparent. He loves the outdoors. And he has a heart for service.

When he’s not at work, Jordan enjoys time with his young family swimming, boating, camping and “losing golf balls.” And what about work?

Jordan not only knew – from the young age of ten – that he wanted to be law enforcement, he also knew he wanted to work in Search and Rescue (SAR). That, along with a wife who grew up in Blaine, is what brought the Stevenson, Washington native to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO).

In this state, each county’s sheriff’s office is legally responsible to provide Search and Rescue services.

At WCSO, Jordan is one of three deputies and a sergeant who oversee SAR. When search or rescue is needed, they call on units within Whatcom County Search & Rescue Council, ranging from Bellingham Mountain Rescue, Emergency Comms, Whatcom Dive Rescue and Whatcom Co Search & Rescue 4x4 Unit to Summit to Sound Search & Rescue. Each of those units is staffed by volunteers.

“Everyone in SAR who’s in the field is there on their own,” says Jordan. “They’re not getting paid.” In fact, SAR volunteers pay for all their own equipment and required training – and donate their time.

“I never take for granted the hours they put in,” says Jordan. “You don’t watch the clock if you’re with people who like what they do – and want to do it.”

Jordan says the commitment of SAR volunteers is a big part of what makes his job so special. But perhaps he also contributes his own “special sauce.”

He came to WCSO with experience in both corrections (as the state’s youngest corrections officer at the time) and 911 dispatch, followed by seven years in the Air Force, including service overseas in Kuwait. It all contributed to the man who has a heart not only to serve, but also for those who are served. Especially when SAR locates someone who has already passed away.

“We wish we could locate everybody alive,” he says. But that’s not always possible. “If I had a loved one who went into the woods and did not come out, I would worry.” Jordan says at least SAR can demonstrate effort and provide closure. And hopefully some peace of mind.

Thank you for your service, Deputy Andersen.

09/04/2026

"A 22-year-old...man was sentenced...in U.S. District Court in Seattle to nine years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute massive amounts of fentanyl..."

Kudos to the Whatcom Regional Drug Task Force for its role in this significant case.

Seattle – A 22-year-old Federal Way, Washington, man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to nine years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute massive amounts of fentanyl, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd.

09/03/2026

UPDATE: 10:00 a.m. The road is now open.

Thursday, September 3, 8:00 a.m.
Due to a collision and subsequent investigation, the Birch Bay Lynden Rd is closed from Kickerville Rd. to Hamm Rd.

09/03/2026

Thursday, September 3, 8 AM.
Due to a collision and subsequent investigation, the Birch Bay Lynden Rd is closed from Kickerville Rd. to Hamm Rd.

09/02/2026

Today, our SAR Deputies assisted the San Juan County Sheriff's Office in a search and rescue mission for a missing vulnerable senior male on Orcas Island.

Early this morning, deputies and volunteers from Summit to Sound Search & Rescue traveled to Orcas Island and spent the day hiking and bushwhacking through approximately 10 miles of challenging terrain. Their efforts paid off when deputies, Summit to Sound volunteers, and a K9 team located the missing man safe inside an unlocked vehicle. Best of all, he was reunited with his very relieved and happy wife.

This successful outcome was made possible through an incredible collaborative effort involving the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, Orcas Island Fire and Rescue, San Juan Island Fire & Rescue, Lopez Fire and EMS, a Navy helicopter crew, Border Patrol helicopter crew, Skagit Ground Search and Rescue, community volunteers, and Whatcom County’s own Summit to Sound team.

To top off the day, the Captain of the Chelan ferry invited our deputies to the bridge for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help steer the vessel back to the mainland. As you can see, it was an unforgettable experience and a well-earned reward after a long day of service.

Thank you to everyone who helped bring this search to a safe and successful conclusion.

Photos used by permission.

09/02/2026

We were proud to assist the San Juan County Sheriff's Office in this successful SAR mission. A huge thank you to our partners at Summit to Sound Search & Rescue, part of the Whatcom County Search & Rescue Council.

12:47 9/2/26 Update: the missing person has been found and is with EMS personnel. This concludes our updates on this incident.

12:15 p.m. 9/2/2026 Update: Coordinated Search and Rescue efforts continue with ground personnel and helicopters from Department of Homeland Security and the Navy overhead.

10:14 am Search Update — Helicopter Operations & Volunteer Info

Helicopter search operations will begin at approximately 10:45 AM with Border Patrol Air and Marine.

Drone Notice: Private drone piloting is illegal during search and rescue operations. It poses a significant threat of injury or death to both ground and air crews. Please do not fly drones in the area.

Community turnout at this morning's 9:00 AM briefing at Station 21 was excellent. Those volunteers have been embedded with operations command staged on Mt. Woolard and are actively assisting with the search.

If you'd like to join the search, come to Station 21, 45 Lavender Lane, first to receive your assignment and instructions.

If you have any information related to the search, please call the non-emergency line at 360-378-4151.

***

9:03 am Search Update — Mt. Woolard

Search operations are underway today with mutual aid from San Juan Island Fire, Lopez Island Fire, and Whatcom County Search and Rescue.

An air-scent search dog from Summit to Sound is working the Mt. Woolard area. The dog and handler are well marked.

A second search dog from Skagit County will be arriving this morning.

We'll continue to post updates as the search progresses.

09/01/2026

Today is National Police K9 Day and we would love to call attention to these amazing team members: Luca, Apex, and Xena!

08/21/2026

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (aka Target Zero) has created an explainer video covering Washington’s laws for e-bikes, electric scooters, and other e-rides, including their classifications, where they can be ridden, and how to stay safe and legal.

This is "E-Rides: What You Need to Know to Ride in Washington State" by trafficsafety on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

08/14/2026

MISSING PERSON

JAMES D HARRIS
AGE: 55
HEIGHT: 6’4”
WEIGHT: 198

The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) is seeking the public's assistance in locating James Harris, last seen on July 25 in the Maple Falls/Kendall area. James is a vulnerable adult and has not been located after three days of searching by Search and Rescue teams.

James was last seen wearing a black motorcycle jacket, blue jeans and a camo beanie.

If you have any information or have seen James, please call 911.