EVERETT — A year ago Saturday, Randall Marrs was crossing the border into Iraq — a place he had never expected to be.
The Everett police officer, a communications specialist with the National Guard, had trained for missions in Southeast Asia. He knew about the culture, the language and the terrain there.
"I never thought I’d end up in the desert," he said. "The Middle East is a whole different world."
Marrs is one of numerous local police officers and firefighters who were called to serve in the military after the country went to war in Iraq last year. Since then, many of those men and women have returned home to Snohomish County and to their duties.
In Lynnwood, two jail officers were called up in January 2003. One returned in September, but the other is still in Iraq. A detective also was called up last March. He is stationed in Seattle, so he is able to work occasionally.
It has been expensive for the city, which has been forced to pay overtime to cover the shifts, Deputy Chief Karen Manser said.
Snohomish County Fire District 8 sent a part-time firefighter to Iraq about two months ago. It is unclear how long he will be gone, Chief Dave Lingenfelter said.
The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office also had to juggle schedules while seven of its employees in the reserves were on military duty.
"We’re very happy to have them all come back safely," sheriff’s spokeswoman Jan Jorgensen said. "We certainly missed them while they were gone."
Marrs returned in June after being gone for nearly a year. He left behind his wife and two children.
"I’ve been home seven months, and I’m thankful for every day I get to sleep in my bed," he said.
While assimilating back into civilian life was challenging, patrolling the streets of Everett was an easy adjustment, he said.
Police and firefighters "have the skills and mind-set to be responsible for other people, to help the little guy," he said.
"I think that’s what we did in Afghanistan, Iraq and what we do on the streets here," Marrs said.
Local firefighters and police officers who were called up to active military duty include:
Edmonds Fire Department: Two firefighters were called up to serve in the reserves and have since returned.
Everett Fire Department: One firefighter was called up last year to serve in the Marine Reserves. He has returned home.
Snohomish County Fire District 1: One firefighter who was called up to active duty returned last fall. Two others who were called up in 2002 also are back to work.
Fire District 3: One fire captain called up by the Coast Guard Reserve is back.
Fire District 7: Three firefighters were called up January 2003 and have returned.
Fire District 8: A firefighter left for the Middle East on Tuesday.
Everett police: An officer who served in the Army Reserves as a communications specialist is back.
Lynnwood police: Two jail officers were called up last year. One is still serving, along with a detective who was activated last year.
Mukilteo police: An officer serving in the Air Force Reserve just returned.
Sheriff’s office: Three deputies, a technician, a sergeant, a lieutenant and a civil deputy have returned from duty.
Reporter Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463 or hefley@heraldnet.com.
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