The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office will officially begin its coverage of Blue Lake today.

After the Blue Lake Police Department effectively ceased operating when law enforcement officials arrested then-Police Chief David Gundersen on Feb. 8, and then-Sgt. Darcie Seal went on administrative leave, Blue Lake received only emergency coverage.

After months of public meetings, workshops and conversations with its insurance carrier, the Blue Lake City Council voted to disband the BLPD and enter into a one-year contract with HCSO.

The contract allocates two deputies to patrol Blue Lake exclusively for 10 hours a day, seven days a week. The remaining 14 hours would be covered by HCSO on an emergency basis, although deputies would randomly patrol the city during that time.

The county, according to the contract, will transmit monthly reports to Blue Lake’s city manager that contain information about crime occurrences, traffic incidents and other contract services within the city.

Blue Lake will welcome the HCSO today at 10 a.m. at the Skinner Storehouse.