I am excited to welcome you to the first quarterly newsletter from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office. As we reflect on my first year in office, I am proud of the strong connections we’ve built with area partners, schools, community groups and businesses. Our dedicated staff has worked hard and achieved exceptional outcomes by addressing crime and safety issues with professionalism and commitment.

Together, we’ve laid a solid foundation for our agency, including the creation of our new Mission and Vision statements. Our Mission is to serve and safeguard all communities of Snohomish County. Our Vision is to provide exceptional public safety through innovative and proactive services that will increase prosperity, wellness, and security for all.

These guiding principles, combined with our motto, "Honor in Service," helps set our compass for our work. Moving forward, we will continue to focus on important initiatives, including supporting victims of domestic violence, child advocacy needs, strengthening regional drug enforcement, apprehending violent offenders, and prioritizing the recruitment and retention of dedicated staff. Additionally, we remain committed to supporting youth-focused organizations and addressing the challenges of youth violence and behavioral health.

Together, we are making Snohomish County a safer and stronger community for all. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.

Sincerely,
Sheriff Susanna Johnson

Sheriff's Office South Precinct Relocates to New Facility in Everett

This week the Sheriff's Office new south precinct location will open to the public. The Bomarc building, which houses the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office on the lower level and Paine Field Airport personnel on the upper level, will provide an ideal setting for the precinct’s growth. 

"We are excited to move into this larger space, which will help us better serve our community," said Sheriff Susanna Johnson. "This new facility will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also provide a more efficient and accessible service to the public."

New South Precinct Address: 9901 24th Place W., Suite B, Everett, Wash.

Honoring Chief Pilot Bill Quistorf: A Legacy of Service and Dedication

After 24 years of dedicated service, Chief Pilot Bill Quistorf is retiring from the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit. His journey with the Sheriff's Office began as a volunteer pilot, and over the years, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the success of the aviation program. Chief Pilot Quistorf's leadership, expertise, and vision have not only enhanced the safety and efficiency of air operations but also created a lasting legacy within the department and the community.

As a volunteer pilot, he was asked by then-SAR Sergeant Danny Wikstrom to take over the management of the aircraft and aviation program after the previous leadership resigned; a moment that set the course for what would become an extraordinary second career.

In 2000, the Air Support Unit's primary helicopter was a 1970 Bell UH-1H, call sign “Air 2.” This military surplus "Huey" was far from the upgraded aircraft seen today, but it served as the backbone of many rescues, even without the advanced equipment that would later be acquired. The helicopter’s primary rescue operations involved short-haul missions, with rescuers being flown by rope 150 feet below the aircraft—a task that required extreme skill and close coordination among the crew.

Chief Pilot Quistorf’s extensive aviation background—gained through his service as part of the Army’s High Altitude Rescue Team in Alaska and as a flight instructor—equipped him to manage and train other pilots and crew members in the precise skills and safety training necessary for such operations. 

In addition to his operational achievements, Quistorf’s contributions extended to securing funding for upgrades and improvements through his involvement in the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI). Over his tenure, he successfully secured more than $5 million in grants, which allowed for the modernization of the program. These funds facilitated critical upgrades such as the installation of rescue hoists, thermal cameras, tactical radios, and night vision goggles, significantly enhancing the unit's capabilities.

Under his leadership, Chief Pilot Quistorf has developed and refined programs that include aviation safety, aircrew training, risk management, and aircrew standardization. Notably, he also collaborated with Retired Sergeant Wikstrom to establish a Flight Medic program, the first in the state, expanding the ability to perform lifesaving services.

While Chief Pilot Quistorf initiated many of the changes that transformed the Air Support Unit, he will always say the true success of these improvements lies in the teamwork and dedication of the entire Helicopter Rescue Team and Air Support Unit. 

Thank you, Chief Pilot Quistorf, for your remarkable service and commitment to the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office and the people of Snohomish County. We look forward to welcoming you back, once again, as a Sheriff's Office SAR volunteer Chief Pilot.

Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF) Makes Record Number of Arrests in 2024

In 2024, the Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force - North (PNVOTF) made 206 felony arrests, to include 23 homicide suspects, 65 sex offense suspects, 68 arrests of offenders who absconded from active DOC supervision and 38 recovered firearms. 

The Snohomish County Violent Offender Task Force (VOTF) was formed in 2013 as part of the Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force of the Western District of Washington. The VOTF includes members of the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, United States Marshals Service, Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC), Mountlake Terrace Police Department and Mukilteo Police Department. The VOTF targets offenders who are wanted for crimes committed within Snohomish County, the greater Puget Sound, or anywhere within the United States, as well as being responsible for extraditing offenders when they flee to foreign countries. The VOTF also works closely with the Sheriff’s Office Registered Sex Offender Unit to arrest wanted subjects and sex offenders who commit violations.

Notably, in October 2024, PNVOTF participated in Operation SNOCO Chat 2024, a two-day multi-agency operation targeting Internet Crimes Against Children. The PNVOTF, along with Everett PD's ACT and Marysville PD's Pro-Act Team, handled arrests and collected evidence related to criminal behavior involving underaged children. Six suspects were arrested on charges related to crimes against children. 

Sheriff’s Office Community Academy is Back!

We’re excited to announce that our Sheriff’s Office Community Academy is back! On March 6, Sheriff Johnson had the honor of welcoming the 2025 class to this engaging and informative program. Led by our Crime Prevention Coordinators, the 12-week academy offers an in-depth look at the inner workings of the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office.

Participants will gain hands-on experience and a behind-the-scenes knowledge into various operations, including patrol, K-9, Major Crimes, and the Snohomish County Jail. This is an incredible opportunity for our community members to learn about the wide range of services we provide and the dedicated work our team does every day to serve and protect you.

SCAM Warning!

Be aware of a scam targeting inmate’s neighbors, coworkers, and others. Scammers are using the Snohomish County Jail Inmate Registry to find real people who are currently housed in our jail and then researching information on those individuals (address, employer, etc.). They then call people in that person’s circle, neighbors, employers, and others, stating that they've been listed as a contact for bail. The scammers send a Zelle payment link for the supposed bail. The problem is, these individuals whose names are being used are currently in jail and do pop up on the registry when a friend goes to look. However, this is a SCAM. The Sheriff's Office will never call and ask for money. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately.