The Tumwater Police Guild formally endorsed incumbent Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders Wednesday for re-election.
The guild, which represents members of the Tumwater Police Department, applauded the work Sanders did during his first term to strengthen public safety across the county.
“The Tumwater Police Guild looks forward to the continued growth of the Sheriff’s Office and to the strong leadership within its ranks as they answer the call to serve the people of Thurston County,” the guild said in a statement that was posted to social media on Wednesday, March 11.
The full statement is posted below:
The Tumwater Police Guild is proud to formally endorse Derek Sanders (Re-Elect Sheriff Sanders) for re-election as Sheriff of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. Our Guild represents the dedicated men and women of the Tumwater Police Department—from Officers through Lieutenants—who serve and protect our community each day.
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office has long been a strong and valued regional partner to the Tumwater Police Department. Under Sheriff Sanders’ leadership, that partnership has continued to grow through consistent support for our members as they work to prevent crime and maintain order in our communities. Whether responding alongside our officers on critical calls for service or assisting with coverage during major community events, deputies from the Sheriff’s Office routinely stand shoulder to shoulder with our members.
The Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to hiring and its continued focus on strengthening public safety have made a meaningful impact across Thurston County. These investments—and the leadership behind them—have helped ensure that law enforcement agencies throughout the region are better equipped to meet the needs of the communities we serve.
The Tumwater Police Guild looks forward to the continued growth of the Sheriff’s Office and to the strong leadership within its ranks as they answer the call to serve the people of Thurston County.
In addition to the Tumwater Police Guild, Sanders has been endorsed by every mayor in Thurston County, as well as Thurston County Commissioners Carolina Mejia, Tye Menser and Wayne Fournier, the Tumwater Firefighters IAFF Local 2409 union and others, according to his campaign.
Sanders’ challenger, Army veteran and current special victims detective Kevin Burton-Crow, has so far been endorsed by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office Captain’s Association.
