Deputy named state's law enforcement officer of 2014 for Oso slide response

EVERETT, Wash. (AP) — A Snohomish County sheriff's deputy has been named the state's law enforcement officer of the year for his quick decision-making after the devastating Oso landslide.

The Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs says Deputy Glen Bergstrom's performance was "above and beyond."

Bergstrom, who lives in the Oso area, knew the sheriff's rescue helicopter was on the flight pad for a pre-scheduled training at the time of the March 22 slide, which killed 43 people. He quickly ordered it to respond, lined up a jet fuel delivery and selected a safe refueling area.

The sheriff's office says Bergstrom worked on search and recovery operations for months, and he was there when the last victim was found in July.

Bergstrom is a 28-year veteran and has spent 15 years assigned to search-and-rescue. He has also worked patrol, narcotics, burglary and as a helicopter crew chief and cadaver dog handler.