Snohomish County Sheriff honors all-stars

The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office credits deputy Craig Hess’ balance of humor, an upfront attitude and decorum for developing an exceptional rapport with the Sky Valley community.

He serves as Sultan School District’s resource deputy, for which he earned a Washington State Association of School Administrators award in 2016; the recipient is historically staff or an administrator, according to the agency. This year he was named Deputy of the Year at the sheriff’s office’s annual awards night held in Everett earlier this month.

Gold Bar deputies and Monroe officers were also among those lauded for stopping violent crime, arresting dangerous suspects and response under tenuous circumstances. More than 200 residents, volunteers and employees received mentions for their accomplishments this year.

Hess’ efforts during a recent incident, in which the school district was facing the threat of a potential shooting, were highlighted at the ceremony. Although he had clocked out for the day, Hess immediately responded, and then worked with administrators to coordinate a plan for the following day that included increased security. 

The Long Island man had served for the New York Police Department prior to making the switch to small-town life, according sheriff’s office spokesperson Shari Ireton. Transitioning has been smooth. Hess has managed to quickly build solid relationships, and reach out when he can. He has served as resource deputy since 2015.

“Recently, a parent told Deputy Hess about their child being belittled by a youth coach and wanting to quit the sport,” according to Ireton. “Deputy Hess took it upon himself to meet with the student, encourage him, build his self-esteem and also gave him coaching lessons.”

The deeds recognized this year ranged from long-term programs to quick thinking during a crisis. A group of deputies, stationed a few miles east of Hess, were honored for their collaboration in apprehending an aggressive white supremacist.

Last spring Gold Bar Police Chief Dave Casey and a team of half a dozen deputies arrested the criminal, who had a number of warrants out for his arrest, according to Ireton. He had pending protection orders, and was suspected of committing assault and armed robbery.

“He had a history of attacks on police, had threatened one person with a sawed-off shotgun and was believed to be under the influence of methamphetamine,” according to Ireton.

Casey, Master Patrol Deputy Carl Whalen and deputies Stuart Gort, Ron Doersch, Cameron Elwell, Daniel Uhrich and Kevin Pelleboer used their skills to plan the strategy, according to the sheriff’s office. They took down a violent offender without anyone getting hurt, and their work after the arrest meant he would be kept out of the community — the courts set a high bail for his release.

For their work they received Certificates of Merit. A half dozen Monroe Police officers, including Jason Southard, Travis Block, Paul Hendersen, Joe Stark and Craig Robertson, were given the same award for a quick response to a potentially life-threatening situation that occurred a few months later.

When the impromptu coalition of law enforcement took Rene Fabian Ramona Ruiz into custody following a high-speed chase down U.S. Highway 2 in July, his wife, who was in the passenger seat, had cuts on her body and was covered in gasoline.

“Given the overwhelming number of law enforcement on scene, the suspect immediately threw the knife on to the floorboard of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident,” according to Ireton. “The victim was then safely removed from the vehicle and treated for her wounds.”

The 38-year-old was suspected of being high on meth at the time of the chase, and told police he had wanted officers to kill him. Earlier that day, Ruiz held a knife to his wife’s throat while she called 911 from the vehicle he was driving eastbound. He later received sentence of 1 1/2 years in prison with credit for time served.