NW LEARN

The NWRC is responsible for the development and maintenance of NW LEARN (the Northwest Washington Law Enforcement Administrative Radio Network) a radio network communication system that serves local law enforcement agencies in Northwest Washington.

The mountainous topography of the region blocks the direct-line surface-to-surface long distance two-way radio communication which is essential for police patrol cars. Elected officials from Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom Counties established NW LEARN in 1971 to put in place a network of radio repeaters on the high ridges and mountain tops of the four counties. There are fifteen NW LEARN repeater sites in the region. Radio signals are relayed, boosted and repeated so that a roving patrol car in one valley can talk directly with 9-1-1 centers, base stations, or with other cars in other valleys or on the islands.

The system is overseen by the NW LEARN Board, composed of the sheriffs from Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom Counties and three representatives of the municipal police chiefs in the four counties. The Board is staffed by the NWRC, which maintains the radio network.

Northwest LEARN Board

Bill Cumming, Chairman San Juan County Sheriff PO Box 669 Friday Harbor WA 98250 Phone: 360-378-4151 Fax: 360-378-7125	Rick Grimstead, Vice Chairman Skagit County Sheriff 600 S 3rd, Rm 100 Mount Vernon WA 98273 Phone: 360-336-9450 Fax: 360-336-9455
Mark Brown Island County Sheriff POB 5000 Coupeville WA 98239 Phone: 360-679-7323 Fax: 360-679-7314	Erik Ramstead Chief of Police PO Box 315 Everson WA 98247 Phone: 360-966-4212 Fax: 360-966-3466
Mike King Chief of Police POB 547 Anacortes WA 98221 Phone: 360-293-1924	L.C. Marlborough Marshall PO Box 725 Coupeville WA 98239-0725 Phone: 360-678-4461 Fax: 360-678-3299
Carey James, Delegate Whatcom County Undersheriff 311 Grand Ave. Bellingham WA 98225 Phone: 360-676-6650 Fax: 360-738-2494
Staff: Victoria Doerper, Executive Director Northwest Regional Council 600 Lakeway Dr Bellingham WA 98225 Phone: 360-676-6749 Fax: 360-738-2451	Staff: Nat Dickinson, Planner Northwest Regional Council 600 Lakeway Dr Bellingham WA 98225 Phone: 360-676-6749 Fax: 360-738-2451