The sudden death of a well-loved Hanford Patrol officer rocked family, friends and fellow officers recently. People ...

There’s a new sheriff — or — rather, a Hanford safety officer in town. The Yakama Nation has started a position to help protect the way-out 586-square-mile site.

HMIS earlier had said that the guards, who are part of the Hanford Patrol, must return to work Thursday, Jan. 2, unless they presented a counteroffer it considers reasonable.

Freda, the Hanford Patrol dog, sits near the Horse Heaven Hills in the Tri-Cities. Several dogs that are kept as part of the Hanford Patrol are now kenneled away from their handlers.

Dec. 6—Hanford nuclear site guards remain locked out as a federal mediator assists with talks between Hanford Mission Integration Solutions and workers represented by Hanford Guards Union Local 21.

About two-thirds of patrol are bargaining unit security police officers who are unable to report to work until a new agreement is reached with the Hanford Guards Union, HMIS said.

The Hanford Patrol will not report to work after what it calls a “lock out” as its contract expires. Shown is the patrol’s Special Response Team during a training exercise.

The Hanford Patrol, an armed protective force, provides security for the 580-square-mile nuclear site, with duties that include protecting radioactive and classified materials.

The Hanford Patrol will not report to work after what it calls a “lock out” as its contract expires. Shown is the patrol’s Special Response Team during a training exercise.