WACOPS is proud to recognize Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police Officer Severin Erickson as a recipient of the 2025 Mark Brinkman Distinguished Service Award.

This award recognizes prolonged integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of public service. Officer Erickson’s career reflects those values in both daily service and extraordinary moments.

Serving the communities of Pend Oreille County, from Metaline Falls to Newport, Officer Erickson has built a reputation grounded in professionalism, fairness, and accountability. Colleagues, community members, and partner agencies alike speak of his steady presence and respectful approach even in situations requiring enforcement action. In small communities especially, earning trust while upholding the law is no small task. Officer Erickson does both with consistency and integrity.

This same service-driven leadership is most evident when circumstances are at their most difficult.

On Saturday, June 21, 2025, Officer Erickson responded alongside the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Border Patrol, and multiple Fire and EMS agencies to a report of a juvenile who had fallen from a 200 to 300-foot cliffside west of the Riverview Bible Camp. Three teens had been climbing the cliffs about a mile away from the camp, when one fell. The other teens then climbed down and found him bleeding from the head and unconscious but breathing. The terrain was steep, rugged, and densely forested. Weather conditions were rainy and cold, compounding the danger and urgency of the situation. Officer Erickson, along with only a few others, forged their way up the mountainside and located the injured teen. The teen who fell was conscious at the time he was located but was badly hurt with severe head trauma, complaining of a broken arm and later to have been found to have a fractured spine. The teen was also extremely cold and experiencing early stages of shock and hypothermia. Officers and medical staff were able to stabilize and warm the teen but due to the terrain it appeared nearly impossible to walk him out. A helicopter was requested through Life-Flight but due to the terrain, it was declined.

Drawing on his knowledge of available resources and regional coordination, Officer Erickson facilitated the use of a United States Air Force Rescue Squadron helicopter to safely transport the child to the hospital. While awaiting the helicopter, he took the time to contact the juvenile’s father, allowing them to speak, and remained with the victim, providing reassurance and comfort during a frightening moment. Officer Erickson brought with him coats and a sleeping bag to keep the victim warm, and specifically requested the USAF SERE RQS team, knowing their training, equipment and expertise could recover this teen. Through these decisive and compassionate actions, Officer Erickson and his fellow responders directly saved the life of a young person who is now recovered and walking.

Beyond emergency response, Officer Erickson is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of officers and engaging with youth and community members through outreach efforts. His leadership and professionalism have been recognized multiple times throughout his career as Region 1 Officer of the Year, most recently in 2023, and the WDFW Police Lifesaving Award in 2025, a testament to the respect he has earned within his agency.

Officer Erickson’s service exemplifies the very best of public safety in Washington: integrity in daily practice, leadership in moments of crisis, and a lasting commitment to community and mentorship.

We are honored to celebrate his distinguished service and grateful for the example he sets across our profession.