The start of the new year brought change within the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office as outgoing Sheriff John Snaza said his goodbyes and incoming Sheriff Derek Sanders introduced his new staff.
Sanders was elected Thurston County sheriff in November, ousting the three-term incumbent.
Snaza, the twin brother of Lewis County Sheriff Rob Snaza, was hired as a deputy for the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 6, 1993, after he served in the U.S. Navy, according to a Facebook post by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office.
During his time as a deputy, Snaza received awards including a Distinguished Service Medal for his efforts saving an 11-year-old girl who had fallen from a railroad trestle into swift waters in July of 2002. He also earned a Life Saving Commendation after he boarded a moving front-end loader, stopped it after the operator had fallen off and been run over, then administered CPR to save the operator’s life in July of 2004.
Snaza served many years on the SWAT team and as the team commander. He also led the clandestine meth lab team. His other specialties included air operations, marine services and peer support, according to the sheriff’s office.
Snaza was elected sheriff in November 2010 and began the first of his three terms on Jan. 1, 2011.
During his tenure, Snaza graduated from the FBI National Academy, the FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Development and the National Sheriff’s Academy.
“(Snaza) would like to express his appreciation to all the men and women of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office for their dedication, professionalism and sacrifices made to serve and protect this community,” stated the sheriff’s office in a Facebook post on Friday, Dec. 30. “Great things were accomplished over the past 12 years and it is attributed to our staff and the great partnerships we maintained with local, state and federal law enforcement, service clubs and charitable organizations, businesses and our citizens.”
As sheriff, Snaza served on the executive board of Northwest HIDTA, was a member of the Washington State Sheriff’s Association and was president of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC). He also served on the WASPC Legislative Committee and testified on hundreds of legislative bills impacting law enforcement, according to the sheriff’s office.
“I was honored and humbled to serve as your elected sheriff,” wrote Snaza in the Facebook post. “I will forever be grateful for your support, encouragement, and faith in me to lead this great office. After 28 years in law enforcement, I am excited to move onto the next chapter in life and find ways to continue serving my community. Thank you for everything.”
Lewis County Sheriff Rob Snaza published a Facebook post on his reelection campaign page Saturday commemorating his brother’s retirement.
“Today marks the end of an era. John (is) retiring from law enforcement after a span of over 30 years,” wrote Rob Snaza. “I could not be more proud of a brother who inspires others to be better and brings out the best in all of us. There have been so many times when I needed a little push or words of encouragement, he was there and continues to be. John was there when I first got hired on with the sheriff’s office, got sworn in as a new sheriff, and there to mentor me to become a better person and leader. I cannot thank him enough for always being there. I wish you the best in your next adventure brother. I will always be by your side.”
Sanders formally took office on Sunday, Jan. 1, and swore in his new administrative staff that same day.
Sanders’ administrative staff includes Undersheriff Dave Pearsall, Chief of Field Operations Ruben Mancillas, Chief of Support Services Carla Carter, Chief of Corrections Trevor Davis Sr., Chief of Financial Operations Heidi Thomsen and Executive Aide Kari Knies.
“Please join us in congratulating all of them in their new roles,” wrote the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office in a Facebook post on Sunday.
