NW Washington News

On February 10, 2022, Deputy Thompson and Deputy Rathbun (shown in the photo) responded to a neighborhood dispute in the Kendall area. While investigating the dispute, an armed suspect shot both deputies in the head.

Since then, Deputies Rathbun and Thompson have each undergone numerous medical procedures and treatments and have recently been evaluated and cleared to return to full active duty as Whatcom County Sheriff Deputies.

Deputy Thompson has served with WCSO since December 2008. In addition to his duties as Patrol Deputy serving the Foothills area, he is on the Crisis Negotiation Team. Deputy Rathbun started his career at WCSO as a Corrections Deputy in 2006 and moved to a Patrol Deputy in July 2008. He is a member of SWAT and also a Defensive Tactics Instructor. 

“Both of us are proud and happy to be able to recover and come back to serve Whatcom County,” said Deputy Thompson, on behalf of himself and Deputy Rathbun. 

“Deputy Rathbun and Deputy Thompson not only fought to survive the deadly attack that was launched against them last February; they courageously battled to recover from their wounds and return to fulfill their passion for serving and protecting the community,” said Sheriff Bill Elfo. “We at the Sheriff’s Office are eternally grateful to all who made their survival and recovery possible. From the armed citizens who helped protect them on the day of the attack; to the fire service and health care professionals who rendered treatment; to the good people of our community who offered prayers, well-wishes, and overwhelming support for our deputies. We can never thank you enough.”

Original source can be found here.