CATHLAMET — On Tuesday morning, July 2, 2024, in the presence of a large audience, the Wahkiakum County Commissioners approved the appointment of Sgt. John Mason to the position of county sheriff.

Following a retirement party last Saturday that appeared to include every resident of the county, Mark Howie’s retirement as Wahkiakum sheriff officially began on July 1. During the past year, he has mentored Mason for the position and recommended his appointment by the County Commissioners. Following the appointment by commissioners, Mason was sworn in by Judge Heidi Heywood.

Mason, a Cathlamet native, served as a deputy and sergeant in the Sheriff’s office for the past 10-plus years.

Regarding plans for change now that he is sheriff, Mason replied, “at 5:30 pm tomorrow night [Wednesday, July 3], I will be swearing in Brian Hornback as our new patrol sergeant. He has been a deputy here and he’s been here as long as I have, which is just over a decade. It’s a very exciting time to be able to promote him. Following that promotion, we’ll have two vacancies for deputies for which we are currently seeking to fill.”

With the appointment, Mason will serve as sheriff until November 2025, when he will be able to run for election to the position.