BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Two Whatcom County deputies who were shot in the line of duty last year have received Medals of Honor from the State Attorney General’s Office.
Deputies Ryan Rathbun and Jason Thompson both suffered serious injuries when they responded to a neighborhood dispute in the Kendall area on February 10, 2022.
Both deputies underwent numerous surgeries and procedures and months of recovery before returning to duty.
Sheriff Bill Elfo expressed pride for their performance under fire and eagerness to return to serving the community.
He also recognized other officers who responded to the incident, private citizens who came to the deputies’ aid, and EMT and medical personnel who played important roles in their recovery.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office has posted graphic body cam footage from the incident on their Facebook page.
The suspect, Joel Young, remains in the Whatcom County Jail while awaiting trial for attempted murder and other charges.
