Archive for December, 2009

Original Mounted Team Retires

penniesf December 18th, 2009

Reserve Deputy Ken Shefveland and his equine partner, P.H. Deputy Slick are preparing to ride off into the sunset. Deputy Shefveland is retiring from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office at the close of 2009 with 25 years of service.

Deputy Shefveland and Deputy Slick were the founding members of the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit and served in that capacity for 8 years. Deputies Shefveland and Slick, along with the other unit members have become the unofficial goodwill ambassadors for the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office. Trained in every aspect of mounted police work, the unit quickly, found a place in the policing activities of the county. It is hoped that it will be reactivated as the economy recovers and the funding returns.

During his tenure Deputy Shefveland was instrumental in growing the team to a six member unit made up of a lieutenant, a sergeant, two detectives, and two reserve deputies. Along the way, Deputy Shefveland worked with members of the Seattle and Vancouver (WA) police departments to draft and pass legislation making it a felony to harm a police horse. In addition, Deputy Shefveland worked tirelessly to assist Pennies in raising money, establishing its tax-exempt status, and providing computer technical support.

The Pennies for Puppies and Ponies family wishes Deputy Shefveland and Deputy Slick long life, happiness, and green pastures. Thank you Deputies!!!

Economic Conditions Impact Mounted Unit

penniesf December 18th, 2009

The economic downturn took its toll in early 2009 on every unit in the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, including its Mounted Unit. With virtually, no funding available the unit was “mothballed” for most of the season. The only exception was the deployment of one unit (Shefveland/Slick) to provide limited security at the Evergreen State Fair.

It is hoped that the economic recovery will begin in earnest in 2010 and that the unit will once again receive the necessary funding to begin deployment to the various cities, parks, trails, and events of the county.