Deputy Shefveland and Deputy Slick were the founding members of the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit and served in that capacity for 8 years. Deputies Shefveland and Slick, along with the other unit members have become the unofficial goodwill ambassadors for the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office. Trained in every aspect of mounted police work, the unit quickly, found a place in the policing activities of the county. It is hoped that it will be reactivated as the economy recovers and the funding returns.

During his tenure Deputy Shefveland was instrumental in growing the team to a six member unit made up of a lieutenant, a sergeant, two detectives, and two reserve deputies. Along the way, Deputy Shefveland worked with members of the Seattle and Vancouver (WA) police departments to draft and pass legislation making it a felony to harm a police horse. In addition, Deputy Shefveland worked tirelessly to assist Pennies in raising money, establishing its tax-exempt status, and providing computer technical support.

The Pennies for Puppies and Ponies family wishes Deputy Shefveland and Deputy Slick long life, happiness, and green pastures. Thank you Deputies!!!

It is hoped that the economic recovery will begin in earnest in 2010 and that the unit will once again receive the necessary funding to begin deployment to the various cities, parks, trails, and events of the county.

This year the Evergreen State Fair will be celebrating its 100th anniversary beginning August 21st (the fair runs through September 1st).  The fairgrounds, located in Monroe, Washington will be the site of 12 days of exciting family-oriented entertainment with something for everyone.  From music, to food, livestock and small animal husbandry, to world-class entertainment and with automobile races, rodeo, and fireworks on any given day, attendees can expect to have a fantastic experience at the fair.

Once again, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol Unit will be part of the security team, augmenting the other deputies working the grounds.  Look for P.H. Slick, P.H. Shaker, P.H. Willie B., and P.H. Willy and say “hello!”

The annual Stanwood/Camano Island Community Fair runs from August 1st – 3rd and is highlighted by the Saturday Parade through the streets of Stanwood (Washington).  Scores of marching bands, drill teams, floats, and equestrian teams will be featured in the parade.  At the head of the parade, The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit will be one of the law enforcement units leading the emergency units and then look for more of the police horses at the end of parade as they bring up the rear.

KLA-HA-YA Days, the City Of Snohomish’s annual community event runs from July 17th to July 20th.  One of its feature events is the TOP FOODS SUNSET PARADE scheduled this year for Saturday, July  19th beginning at 6PM.  The expanded parade route on First Street starts on West First Street (near where the Farmers Market was held) and heads east to Lincoln Street. Come out and see the amazing drill teams, equestrian units, and of course your Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol Unit.

The annual Arlington Fly-In is scheduled for July 9 – July 13, 2008.  This exciting, family-oriented event hosts numerous flight demonstrations, including the War Birds and other historic aircraft, as well as ground-based booths, demonstrations, etc. during its five day run.  Music, military equipment demonstrations, as well as a demonstration by the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit. And expect to see the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit on patrol at the event.

The "25th Annual National Night Out" (NNO) has been scheduled for Tuesday, August 5, 2008. One of the feature events in Snohomish County will be held in Goldbar, Washington.  In addition to the annual NNO parade, cookout, and children’s carnival, there will be several entries from the Snohomish County Sheriff’’s Office including the Mounted Unit, the bomb squad, and a fly-in and demonstration by one of the sheriff’s office helicopter units. This is an excellent opportunity to meet the police officers and sheriff’s deputies serving the Goldbar area and in particular, a chance to get to know some of the police horses.

Last year’s National Night Out event in Goldbar was a huge success that was attended by several hundred neighbors and friends.  It was a clear statement that the citizens of Goldbar are eager to work with law enforcement agencies to make their community safer.

2008 Marysville Strawberry Festival Twilight Grand Parade is scheduled for June 21, 2008.  This year is the 77th Annual Marysville Strawberry Festival (June 13-22) and is highlighted by the Twilight Grand Parade at 8PM. on Saturday, June 21 along State Ave. culminating in a giant fireworks display.  It is preceded by the Kiddies Parade at 6PM   In addition to the parades, the festival hosts the famous “Market in the Park,” a fair food and vendor booths, live music (the K-9 Koncert), kids entertainment, adult trike races, carnival, golf tournament, fashion show and much more await! For more information, please call (360) 569-7664, or access the festival website at Marysville Strawberry Festival.

The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol Unit will be one of many groups providing security at the annual Marysville (Washington) Strawberry Festival on June 21st. Sgt. Aston/P.H. Dep. Shaker, Det. Willoth/P.H. Dep. Willy, and Dep. Shefveland/P.H. Dep. Slick will be working both the parade route as well as the back streets.