4x4 Patrol Deputies
 Five patrol deputies, including two resident deputy positions,
two search and rescue coordinators,
one road use investigator are assigned 4x4 patrol vehicles.
Due to the diverse terrain in the eastern part of our county,
the 4x4's are used to transport deputies into areas where
normal vehicles can not go.
K-9 Deputies
Currently, the sheriff's office has two K-9  positions.
The K-9 deputies assist general patrol by locating fleeing
suspects
and performing evidence searches. The K-9 handlers undergo
an exhaustive training regimen upon entrance to the program,
and continue to train on a weekly basis to maintain a high
level of proficiency for what can be a physically exhausting
task.
Traffic Deputies
 The traffic deputies have the primary responsibility for
preventing motor vehicle accidents by
enforcing existing traffic laws, thoroughly investigating
accidents, and seeking out impaired drivers. Deputies assigned
to the traffic unit patrol in vehicles and motorcycles, as
conditions allow.
Marine Patrol 
The marine patrol unit utilizes several vessels to enforce
water safety laws on the various bodies of water within Whatcom
County, including Lake Samish, Lake Whatcom, the Nooksack
River, Ross Lake, Baker Lake, Lake Diablo, and the North
Puget Sound. Other duties performed by the unit involve border
and coast protections as well as counter drug enforcement.
Members of the unit engage in public event such as Bellingham's
Ski to Sea race and various 4th of July fesitivites, among
others. Deputy Chad Heinrich is the Marine Services program coordinator.
New Information (Boating Safety Education Course):
Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Marine Services Unit will offer a boater education course for Washington boaters. This eight hour course will provide boaters the basics of safe boating that all recreational boaters should know. This course was developed specifically for the WA State Parks and Recreation Commission and is taught by deputies certified by the agency.
The next course will be held: To be announced. Attendance is required both days to meet the eight hour requirement. If you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail cheinrich@whatcomcounty.us. The Adventures in Boating Washington, A Course on Responsible Boating manual and exam will be provided at the class for a $10.00 fee.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2010 boat operators ages 12 to 30 years old will be required to carry a boater education card when operating a boat on Washington’s waterways. The law applies to operators of motorboats of 15 horsepower or greater. The card requirement will continue to be phased in through 2014, when all boaters born on or after Jan. 1, 1955, will be required to have a card. Boaters born before Jan. 1, 1955, are exempt from this law. Cards cost $10 and are good for a lifetime.
For information on the Mandatory Boating Safety Education Program and dates in which you will be required to have a boater education card, visit online at www.parks.wa.gov/boating.
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