WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Former Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) Chief Kevin Hester passed away at the age of 59 on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at home, according to statements provided by the agency.
Hester worked at the WCSO from November 1, 1991 to December 25, 2021. Prior to this, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 5 years. His positions at the WCSO included patrol deputy, detective, drug task force sergeant, drug task force lieutenant, chief civil deputy, and chief of investigations and support services.
According to a video published by Whatcom County Government upon his retirement in 2021, Hester spent approximately 20 years involved in narcotics law enforcement. His work in the major crimes unit included leading detectives on homicide cases and the cold case squad, including the Mandy Stavik case.
Following his retirement from the sheriff’s office, Hester served as the mayor of Nooksack starting in 2022 and was reelected in 2025.
He is survived by his wife and 2 sons and their spouses, parents and a brother along with 3 grandchildren.
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