Tumwater Police Guild

07/12/2026

It says something.

06/17/2026

Tonight, the Tumwater Police Department embarked on a new journey with the swearing in of Chief Quiles. Our members are excited for the future!

05/27/2026

We believe strongly in this. Public Safety, has and always will be a non-partisan issue.

Tonight, Thurston County Democrats voted 28-13 to endorse my opponent after heated debate.

This wasn’t a huge surprise. I’m not a democrat, and I’m not a republican. As such, I have not and will not seek the endorsement of either political party. As your Sheriff, I work independently to uphold public safety in a nonpartisan fashion that serves all of Thurston County impartially.

Despite rallying more than 1500 registered volunteers across the political spectrum and raising nearly $70,000 in under four months, how that money was raised also matters: No political action committees. No mega corporations. No political party funds. My donors are every day people, businesses, and labor unions.

As long as I am your Sheriff, Thurston County Sheriff’s Office will remain nonpartisan. I’m willing to lose an election before I depart from that ethos.

My allegiance is to the residents of Thurston County, not political parties.

SandersForSheriff.org

03/25/2026

Over the past weekend, our members began wearing Body-Worn Cameras. As a Union, we have been engaged in frequent conversations and advocacy work over the last several years in an attempt to get them implemented. In our numerous conversations, all we ever heard were barriers being put in place by previous leaders in our agency and the City. “We want you to have them, but we don’t have the money”, “It takes time to roll something like this out”.

What was told would take 18-24 months has taken only a few months. This is a testament to the strong work ethic and performance of everyone now involved in decision-making at the City and our agency.

We are deeply grateful to all who have advocated on behalf of our members in support of obtaining body-worn cameras, including City Council members, community stakeholders, and many others.

03/14/2026

Partnership in action!

03/11/2026

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.

03/06/2026

Regarding the recent community interest in the removal of an SRO from the TSD, please see our attached statement.

01/06/2026

Enjoy retirement!