The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office has announced the appointment of two new resident deputies for the Willow Creek Resident Station. Sheriff William Honsal has appointed Deputy William Kerr and Deputy Shirley Yanez to serve in this role, beginning their duties on July 20.
This initiative is part of the Sheriff’s Office’s effort to maintain a consistent law enforcement presence in the remote Willow Creek and Hoopa areas. The establishment of this dedicated station aims to ensure timely responses to service calls and regular patrols throughout the week.
Sheriff Honsal emphasized the importance of these positions, stating, “Resident Deputies provide consistent law enforcement presence, build strong community relationships, and proactively address public safety concerns in alignment with the Sheriff’s Office mission to protect and serve with compassion and accountability.”
Deputy William Kerr brings over 13 years of experience in law enforcement. His background includes serving as a Combat Engineer in the U.S. Army and working with various police departments. He expressed his commitment to community policing by saying, “Ultimately, I think that I can serve the community better as Will than as Deputy Kerr,” highlighting his belief in personal engagement beyond formal roles.
Deputy Shirley Yanez, a lifelong resident of Hoopa and a member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe, also joins this team with deep local ties. She began her career with Hoopa Tribal Police before moving to the Sheriff’s Office. Her focus is on fostering trust within the community she serves: “Don’t hesitate to call,” she encouraged residents.
Both deputies are committed to addressing local issues such as substance use, theft, and missing persons cases while building trust among residents. The Sheriff’s Office anticipates positive contributions from Deputies Kerr and Yanez in their new roles.
For those interested in joining similar efforts within Humboldt County’s law enforcement framework, more information is available at HumboldtSheirff.org/Join. Residents can also subscribe for news alerts through humboldtsheriff.org/subscribe.
