Sheriff Jodie Barcus appointed Mike Worden the new undersheriff for Okanogan County. Worden took the oath of office on Monday. He replaces former Sheriff Paul Budrow’s right hand man, Dave Yarnell.
Upon assuming office, the sheriff can assemble their own team.
Barcus also swore in Gale Wall as Chief Civil Deputy and Allen Parsons as a new 911 Telecommunicator.
According to a press release, Mike Worden has been with the sheriff’s office for 31 years, including five as patrol deputy, four as detective, eight as sergeant, and 14 years as the Chief of Communications, the administrator managing the 911 dispatch center and public safety radio network.
Worden graduated from Washington State University in 1994 with a degree in Criminal Justice and earned a Master’s of Science in Strategic Leadership in 2012 from Mountain State University
Wall has been with the sheriff’s office records division for 20 years, working on evidence management. Sheriff Budrow appointed Wall Chief Civil Deputy when the position opened following a retirement. Barcus said she is grateful for Wall’s knowledge and experience on the administration team.
Parsons retired from the U.S Army and started his initial training as a new 911 Telecommunicator/Dispatcher. Parsons’ initial training will take approximate 4-6 months.
