Chelan County Sheriff adds presence in Stehekin with delivery of patrol vehicle

Chelan county Sheriff's patrol vehicle arrives in Stehekin, Mar. 19.

A large barge going up Lake Chelan on Wednesday, from Chelan to Stehekin, will deliver a Chelan County Sheriff's patrol vehicle to the remote town.

"We're excited about it," said Sheriff Mike Morrison upon delivering the vehicle to Chelan on Tuesday in preparation for its delivery to Stehekin. "It's been 24 years since a vehicle has been up there from the Sheriff's Office."

"I'm going to run up in 'Marine One' (Chelan County Sheriff's Lake Chelan patrol vessel) and get it all situated," Sheriff's Sgt. Rob Huddleston added. "The Stehekin residents will be seeing a lot more of us up there. It's much needed."

The Sheriff's Office purchased the used vehicle and outfitted it for law enforcement use. The new-to-Stehekin marked patrol vehicle is equipped with a light bar to provide ample illumination for deputies and off-road tires. It will likely be parked at the Golden West Visitors Center parking lot.

"It's purpose built for Stehekin," Huddleston exclaimed. "Even when the commissioners want to go up there and have meetings, we take them up on the Sheriff's boat and try to find rides for everybody. When the cops show up its a little different story; you're walking to the bakery."

In the past, deputies may have had to borrow a car from a Stehekin resident to get around on patrols or on investigations.

Critical to safety on the open waters of Lake Chelan are the Chelan County Sheriff’s marine patrols.

Sheriff Mike Morrison says he has asked for $650-thousand dollars from the state legislature to replace aging 'Marine One.'

In addition, the Sheriff's 'Marine Two' is getting a facelift. New decking is being placed on the vessel in time for use during the summer season on the lake.

The Sheriff has also asked for federal financial assistance to pay for two deputies who work forest service lands in the county.