Local lawman leaving to head County probe unit

There was a time when Tobin Meyer didn’t have a clue what the future held.

But because of his ability to recognize and sift through clues, Meyer has a clear idea now of the direction his career in law enforcement will soon take.

A Skagit County Sheriff’s Sergeant who for 20 months has staffed the department’s La Conner Detachment, Meyer is returning to Mount Vernon starting at the end of the year.

He has been tabbed by Sheriff-elect Don McDermott to serve as Chief Criminal Deputy in charge of investigations, his latest assignment in more than two decades of police work.

Meyer, perhaps best known during his La Conner stint for launching local boat patrols and search drones, won’t exactly be taking flight from town. He will instead ever so gradually ease away from one of his favorite duty stations.

“I’ll be here for awhile, wearing two hats, and trying to help the new person come aboard,” Meyer told La Conner Weekly News.

“We hope to fill the position next spring, in March or April,” he said. “We’ll be looking for someone who’ll be a good fit, somebody comfortable and familiar with serving in a small town.”

Meyer fit that bill.

“I can tell you,” he said, “that the last shift I put in here, that last foot patrol for me on First Street, will be a sad day.”

Interestingly, he didn’t originally plan on entering law enforcement. He was an engineering student at Western Washington University when first called to serve.

He started as a student officer on campus, which led to roles with the Bellingham Police Department and Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.

By then an experienced patrol officer, Meyer moved in 2002 to the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office. He spent time assigned to the rural eastern part of the county, including the Town of Concrete.

He worked in investigations prior to being assigned to La Conner, where Meyer has juggled patrol work on land and water while being engaged in public outreach.

He has been a regular presence at La Conner Schools, especially the Braves Club afternoon program, where Meyer has delivered numerous safety talks and helped foster positive relations between students and police.

“It’s a real cool group of kids,” he insists.

The La Conner Detachment fields about 50 marine-related service calls annually, says Meyer, running the gamut from search and rescue to aiding vessels and kayakers in distress.

For the past year his introduction of “unmanned aerial vehicles” – drones – has become an integral part of the detachment’s daily operations.

“They have great utility,” he says. “They can locate people who are lost and even help with flooding issues and emergency management.”

La Conner Mayor Ramon Hayes says Meyer will be missed. He praised Meyer for helping cement the Town’s partnership with the Sheriff’s Office.

“Our communication has been strong,” Hayes says. “We’re told well in advance what’s going to happen. I feel we’re in good hands with the Sheriff’s Office. It’s developed into a strong relationship.”

As far as Meyer is concerned, the feeling is mutual.

“I’ll definitely look back fondly on my time here,” he says. “I’ll really look forward to coming back.”