Mason County Sheriff's Office

06/13/2026

☀️ Hot Weather, Cold Water: Be Safe This Weekend! 🌊

With temperatures expected to climb into the 80s and 90s across Mason County this weekend, many people will be heading to our lakes, rivers, and the Hood Canal to cool off. While the air may feel like summer, the water is still very cold. Recent water temperatures in Hood Canal are around 56°F, and Lake Cushman is only around 57°F, cold enough to cause cold water shock and incapacitation in just minutes.

Before you head out:

🚤 Always wear a life jacket while boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or canoeing.
🏊 Never swim alone.
📱 Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
🥶 Cold water can quickly affect your ability to swim, even if you’re a strong swimmer.
🍺 Avoid alcohol while operating watercraft or participating in water activities.
👶 Keep a close eye on children around the water at all times.
🌊 Be prepared for changing conditions.

A life jacket can save your life. Most drowning victims in Washington were not wearing one.

Enjoy the beautiful weather, have fun on the water, and make safety your first priority this weekend.



~40

06/11/2026

:::UPDATE::: 9:45AM 6/11/26

Last night, recovery teams successfully recovered the remains of a male believed to be in his early 20s from below the High Steel Bridge.

The initial call came in after a citizen observed what appeared to be a body in the area below the bridge. Other citizens nearby used a drone to confirm the presence of a deceased individual and notified authorities.

Out of respect for the family and pending next-of-kin notifications, no identifying information will be released at this time. The investigation remains ongoing.

We appreciate the assistance of our partner agencies and the citizens who promptly reported what they observed.

~40
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Recovery Operation Underway Near High Steel Bridge

Mason County Sheriff’s Office personnel are currently on scene below the High Steel Bridge after a body was discovered in the area. The location was later confirmed through drone imagery.

Members of Jefferson Search and Rescue, Olympic Mountain Rescue, Mason County Search & Rescue MCSO SORT personnel, West Mason Fire - WA deputies, and detectives are actively working together on a recovery mission.

We ask the public to remain away from the area while emergency personnel safely conduct recovery operations. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available and appropriate for release.

We appreciate the assistance of our partner agencies and the public’s cooperation during this ongoing operation.

~40

06/09/2026

Earlier today, the Mason County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a vessel that was possibly in distress in the Hood Canal area. Deputies responded and located the vessel, which was found unoccupied.

Through follow-up investigation, the owner of the vessel was identified and contacted. The owner is aware of the situation and will be making arrangements to address the vessel.

We appreciate the community’s vigilance in reporting potential emergencies on our waterways. If you observe a vessel or person in distress, please contact 911 immediately.

1S19

06/09/2026

📊 MCSO Monthly Impact Report – May 2026

In May, the MCSO responded to 2,017 calls for service.
The numbers below represent a snapshot of key incidents and law enforcement activity from that total volume.

Patrol Division
• 2,017 Calls for Service (▲ +63)
• 19 Burglaries (▲ +13)
• 33 Assaults (▲ +8)
• 189 Traffic Incidents (▼ -5)
• 29 DUIs (▲ +1)
• 37 Thefts (▲ +15)
• 50 Warrant Arrests (▼ -8)

Jail Division
• 122 Jail Bookings (▼ -4)
• 12,140 Pounds of Trash Removed by Litter Crew (▼ -1,780)

Civil Division
• 170 Public Disclosure Requests Processed (▲ +12)
• 181 Civil Papers Attempted (▲ +12)
• 105 Civil Papers Served (▼ -17)
• 286 Total Civil Papers (▼ -5)

Thank you for your continued support as we serve Mason County with professionalism and transparency.


~40

06/06/2026

Sheriff Ryan Spurling recently had the privilege of spending time with an extraordinary member of our community, 105-year-old World War II Navy veteran Art Smart, during the 27th Annual “A Time for Remembering” observance at Allyn Waterfront Park.

For the past four years, Sheriff Spurling has participated in the annual flag-raising ceremony and has enjoyed the opportunity to visit with Art. His service to our nation, along with the wisdom and perspective he shares, serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation.

We are proud to recognize Art Smart and thank him for his service to our country. Mason County is fortunate to have veterans like Art as part of our community.

~40

06/05/2026

🚨 We encourage everyone in Mason County to follow the Mason County All Hazard News page as it transitions into the official Mason County Division of Emergency Management page. This will be an important source for emergency preparedness information, hazard notifications, and updates during emergency situations. Take a moment to give their page a follow and check out their post below for more details about the exciting changes ahead.


~40

Big news for this page — Mason County All Hazard News is becoming the main page for Mason County Division of Emergency Management and a name change is on its way!

We’re expanding from all hazard news to our broader mission of helping Mason County build preparedness and resilience across all phases of emergency management—prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery.

We’ll be sharing tips, events, and resources—and of course we’ll continue to keep you informed of hazards and incidents in the county.

We’ll be taking on this name change in just a few days!

We have some good stuff coming... Follow along as we grow this page into your go-to source for emergency preparedness information!

06/02/2026

Last Friday, at the monthly Law Enforcement Breakfast, we were honored to welcome Mason County’s own Luke Aikins as our guest speaker. Luke shared stories from his remarkable career as a professional skydiver, BASE jumper, pilot, aerial photographer, and member of the Red Bull Air Force. Despite his many accomplishments, Luke emphasized that none of his successes would have been possible without the support of his family and team. We appreciate him taking the time to inspire and connect with our local law enforcement community.

During the event, we also had the privilege of recognizing several team members for their exceptional actions during a recent medical emergency involving a fellow employee. Lauri Hurst received a Life Saving Award for her quick response and decisive actions. AnnMarie McCullough and Samantha Mayer were each presented with a Commendation of Merit for their prompt assistance and support during the incident. Their professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to caring for others exemplify the values we strive to uphold every day.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the Little Creek Casino Resort and the Squaxin Island Tribe for hosting the monthly Law Enforcement Breakfast and for their continued support of our local law enforcement community.

Congratulations to all who were recognized, and thank you for your dedication to serving others.


~40

05/31/2026

USCG Video footage from this morning’s rescue

~40

05/30/2026

:::RESCUE UPDATE::: 7:04 AM

The two stranded fishermen near Holman Flats on the South Fork Skokomish River have been successfully rescued by the United States Coast Guard and transported to Sanderson Field for medical evaluation.

We are grateful for the coordinated efforts of all responding agencies, communications personnel, and volunteers whose teamwork helped bring this incident to a safe conclusion.
~40

:::UPDATE::: 6:35AM 5/30/26

Overnight, Guardian One successfully located the two stranded fishermen near Holman Flats on the South Fork Skokomish River.

The fishermen were able to build a small fire and shelter in place through the night, helping them stay warm while rescue operations continued.

After assessing the situation, it was determined that ground rescue teams were unable to safely reach the fishermen due to the challenging terrain and river conditions. Rescue coordinators requested additional aerial resources, and a helicopter from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Astoria is now on scene attempting to extract the fishermen.

There have been no reports of major injuries, and communication with the fishermen has been maintained throughout the incident.
~40
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Mason County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Fire Personnel,MCSO SORT personnel,Mason County Search & Rescue, Kitsap Search and Rescue, Pacific County SORT, and Guardian One are responding to the area of Holman Flats near the South Fork Skokomish River after two fishermen were reported stranded in a river fork.

Mason County 911 remains in communication with the fishermen at this time. There have been no reports of major injuries. Rescue resources are actively responding to the scene, including Guardian One helicopter support.

We appreciate the coordinated efforts of all responding agencies as they work to safely reach and assist the individuals involved. Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.

~40

05/29/2026

Emergency responders are currently on scene of a single-occupant aircraft crash at Sanderson Field in Shelton. Initial reports indicate the aircraft came up short of the runway during its approach.

The pilot, a 72-year-old male, was the sole occupant of the aircraft and is being transported to the hospital for evaluation and treatment. Family members are also on scene. There were no reports of fire associated with the crash.

Fire personnel, law enforcement, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are on scene.

We appreciate the coordinated response of all agencies involved and will provide additional information as it becomes available.

~40