News

Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office launches anonymous gun exchange program

1 week ago in Dedicated To Service, Lifestyle, Local

Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office launches anonymous gun exchange program

A Whatcom County Sheriff patrol vehicle. Photo: Saga Communications/Dave Walker

WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Whatcom County residents have a new way to get rid of unwanted guns.

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) announced on Friday, July 24, they’re launching a voluntary firearms exchange program.

Anyone who wants to dispose of their gun can anonymously trade it in for a cash card.

To participate, residents can sign up online for an appointment before bringing unloaded firearms to the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Donnell Tanksley emphasized that the program is focused on preventing theft, accidents or misuse, not to investigate people who turn in guns.

Firearms don’t have to be in working condition to be turned in, but ammunition and explosives will not be accepted.

WCSO is one of 12 statewide law enforcement agencies that received funding for the program from the Washington state Attorney General’s Office.

Recent Headlines

2 days ago in Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local

Lynden Heritage Museum launches fundraising campaign to stay open

lynden heritage museum interior

Funding cuts, fire-related costs and rising expenses have forced the museum to reduce staff and hours amid its 50th anniversary

2 days ago in Dedicated To Service, Environmental, Health and Wellness, Local, Outdoors, Trending, Weather

‘Extreme’ risk of dangerous fire conditions in central, eastern WA Saturday

High temperatures and strong winds could make existing wildfires spread unpredictably.

2 days ago in Entertainment

Actor Storm Reid hopes music reveals another side, introducing listeners to the real her

Storm Reid knows how the world sees her: an accomplished, polished actor who always seems to have it all together. Through new music, the Emmy-winner hopes listeners discover another side of her.

3 days ago in Entertainment, Music

The Recording Academy CEO responds to BTS decision not to submit to Grammys

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. has responded to the news that K-pop powerhouse BTSwill not submit their music for consideration at the forthcoming 2027 Grammy Awards.

2 days ago in Crime, Government, Local, Trending

Seattle police chief resigns under pressure from mayor over response to festival shooting

After an initial social media post announcing that there had been a shooting with multiple victims, it took nearly five hours for police to provide any additional information to the public, including whether there was any ongoing threat.