Retired Sheriff Howie recieves Bolstad award

At the Wahkiakum County Commissioners meeting Tuesday Retired Sheriff Mark Howie was presented with the Marine Corps League's Eugene A. Bolstad Memorial law enforcement officer of the year award. Sheriff Howie took over the department after the suicide of Sheriff Jon Dearmore. During his acceptance Sheriff Howie mentioned his predecessor and the difficulties of managing the department after the death of Sheriff Dearmore. The Bolstad award is given annually to a law enforcement officer who has demonstrated exemplary performance and initiative, and/or excellence in personal interaction with the public. Sixty-seven years ago Washington State Patrol Trooper Gene Bolstad died on duty trying to rescue a teenager caught in a strong rip current in the surf at Long Beach. This is the third year in a row that the award has gone to an officer in Wahkiakum County.