Welcome to Skagit County

June 3rd, 2005

SKAGIT COUNTY SHERIFF HONORS EMPLOYEES WITH AWARDS FOR SERVICE

Deputy Rick Duhaime receives Police Medal

SKAGIT COUNTY – Skagit County Deputy Rick Duhaime was recently awarded a “Police Medal” from Sheriff Rick Grimstead. On November 10, 2003, Deputy Rick Duhaime was on routine uniformed patrol for the Skagit County’s Sheriff’s Department when he heard over the radio that the Mount Vernon Police Department was in pursuit of a vehicle that was approaching his location. Duhaime immediately made the decision to assist with the pursuit of the vehicle following it onto Interstate 5 heading south. The suspect stopped suddenly near the Anderson Road exit, and exited his car with a handgun, rapidly approaching Duhaime, pointing the weapon at him. He immediately took action in defense of himself and other officers and the motoring public by shooting and wounding the suspect. He then disarmed the suspect, rendered aid, and called for an ambulance.

“Deputy Duhaime’s actions displayed great courage and bravery while undertaking action as a law enforcement officer,” said Skagit County Sheriff Rick Grimstead. “He acted in a matter that demonstrated good training, tactics, and sound judgment. His courage and effectiveness under stress serve as a model to those of us in law enforcement. For this reason, Deputy Rick Duhaime is awarded the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office Police Medal.”

Deputy Steven Dills awarded Purple Heart Medal

SKAGIT COUNTY – Skagit County Sheriff Deputy Steven Dills was recently awarded a “Purple Heart Medal” from Sheriff Rick Grimstead. On June 6, 2003, Skagit County Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Dills and other deputies responded to a juvenile party on Blanchard Mountain. Dills attempted to contact a juvenile subject who appeared to be underage and intoxicated. As Dills approached the subject, the individual became belligerent by raising a flashlight in his hand and tensing his other fist, threatening the deputies.

When Dills asked the subject for his name, the subject attempted to flee from him. Dills grabbed the subject by his arm and advised him he was under arrest. Dills attempted to gain control of the subject and a fight ensued at which time the suspect broke free and fled from Dills. Dills gave chase, during which time he fell off of a cliff breaking his left femur. The injury was serious and life-threatening, requiring surgery. The suspect was later arrested and charged with Escape, Resisting Arrest, and Minor in Possession/Consumption of Alcohol.

Dill’s injury required extensive surgery, rehabilitation and numerous hours of missed work. He will have life-long pain. “This injury caused substantial risk of death and impairment of general health, caused by the intentional action of another,” said Skagit County Sheriff Rick Grimstead in awarding the Purple Heart Medal to Dills.

Bonnie Bowers receives Meritorious Service Award from Sheriff’s Office

SKAGIT COUNTY – Skagit County Sheriff Sergeant Bonnie Bowers was recently awarded a “Meritorious Service Award” from Sheriff Rick Grimstead. “Sergeant Bowers performance reflects positively upon the Sheriff’s Office, enabling us to provide a higher level of service to our citizens,” said Grimstead.

Joining the Sheriff’s Office in 1997, Bowers has taken on a long list of responsibilities, including accreditation manager, detachment chief of the Town of La Conner, training coordinator and she facilitated many joint training efforts between corrections, road personnel and other local agencies.