thurston county sheriff's office annual report 2015

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office

Annual Report

2015

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Integrity: That moral defense against corrupting influence.

Knowledge: Knowing the facts and laws combined with the awareness and under

standing that sustain us through out daily duties.

Judgement: The ability to apply knowledge and wisdom to the best advantage of all

concerned.

Courtesy: Respect for law and order and all people.

Loyalty: Faithfulness to the people we serve and out fellow members of the

agency.

Honor: The highest esteem for the principles upon which the Thurston County

Sheriff’s Office has been built.

Character: The qualities or moral strength and stability.

Our Core Values

“People First; Public Safety Always”

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On May 8, 2015, Deputy Brett Campbell and Officer Devon

Taylor from The Yelm Police Department were awarded

the Washington State Law Enforcement Medal of Honor

for their selfless and heroic actions .

During the early morning hours of November 30, 2014,

Collette Smith called 911 and reported that she had

crashed he car into the Centralia Power Canal which is

located outside of the City of Yelm. Ms. Smith reported

that she was trapped in her car and the car was filling with

water.

The Centralia Power Canal is a manmade concrete canal

that has steep sides that offer little or no way to escape

the water. The current is swift and the water is deep and

cold. Over the years more than one person has lost his or

her life upon falling or jumping into the canal.

Deputy Campbell and Officer Taylor responded to assist

Ms. Smith. When they located Ms. Smith’s partially

submerged vehicle, Deputy Campbell and Officer Taylor

quickly determined that because of the way the vehicle

had come to rest, the only way to get Ms. Smith out of the

vehicle was through the back window.

Realizing that they had to work quickly if they were going

to rescue Ms. Smith before her vehicle submerged

completely, Deputy Campbell and Officer Devon Taylor

without hesitation placed themselves in harms way as

they worked to create an avenue of escape from the

quickly submerging vehicle. While at great risk of being

pulled into the rushing water of the canal, Deputy

Campbell and Officer Devon were able to hold onto Ms.

Smith as her vehicle succumbed to the relentless current

and slipped beneath the surface of the water.

Had it not been for the actions of Deputy Campbell and

Officer Taylor, Ms. Smith would have almost certainly

have died in the cold and dark waters of the canal.

Washington State Law Enforcement Medal of Honor

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SHERIFF’S MESSAGE

Sheriff John Snaza

(Last Photo Taken at the Old Jail)

First and foremost, I want to thank each and every one of the men and women of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office for the hard work, dedication, and professionalism they displayed in 2015. This past year we benefited from many successes. We were re-funded for five of the nine vacant positions that were eliminated two years prior; we started the process for Accreditation of our agency; staff worked to develop a wellness and fitness center without costs; we opened and moved into the new Corrections facility in August; enhanced the commercial vehicle and road deputy positions to support Thurston County Roads, and much more. Meanwhile each supervisor and manager continued their career development training within the agency. The beautiful summer we experienced did not come without some significant violent crimes and incidents. These incidents often necessitate a large personnel response to render safe scenes with potential impact to our citizens. I would normally state specific goals in my vision message. However, communicating these goals to the men and women of this agency with the expectation they can achieve them is extremely difficult when our largest obstacle is lacking the support for funding to establish reasonable

staffing levels that will support proactive public safety. Despite this challenge, not a day goes by in which our staff does not exceed the expectations set forth by our agency bureau leaders and make citizen safety the priority. Now more than ever it is important that this Sheriff’s Office maintain their commitment to our Community Policing Model to provide a strong exchange and cooperation with our citizens. As our budget becomes more restrictive, our team must become more engaged with our community. This will not come without challenges, as we deal with more mental health issues, narcotic and alcohol abuse, unemployment, the homeless, and a criminal justice system that works excessively to ensure we protect the rights of every individual. Our Community Policing is of great value and very important to our agency. As we strategize to provide quality service and enhance the resources of our Sheriff’s Office, it is imperative we remember the core values: Judgement, Integrity, Courtesy, Character, Honor, Loyalty, and Knowledge. These values are demonstrated on a daily basis and provide the guiding principles for planning and developing our practices as an agency. We cannot forget about the importance of leadership at every level, and by every individual in this organization. We will continue to improve our foundation in this great community and work to communicate the needs of every bureau, division, and section in our office. We will lead by example; and be accountable, while providing the safety and security of our citizens. “People First; Public Safety Always.” Sheriff John D. Snaza


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UNDERSHERIFF’S MESSAGE

Undersheriff Timothy Braniff

Serving as the Undersheriff, I often hear the praise as well as disparagement and

grievances about the agency and its members. Fortunately, and to their credit, I

hear considerably more about the great work and positive impacts being made by

the dedicated men and women of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO).

You will see in this and other agency publications, that we are not only law

enforcement professionals, but a dedicated part of this community we have

pledged to protect each day. We are fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, friends,

and neighbors who work under very extraordinary circumstances.

The law enforcement profession is tasked with preserving freedom and

democracy. As complex as our society has become, it takes very loyal men and

women to provide the quality of service this agency has devoted itself to.

Every member of the Sheriff’s Office has committed to the oath and made personal sacrifices to provide the

highest level of service this profession demands. These sacrifices and the police powers we are entrusted with are

sacred to each member. We accept that our values, ethics, and code of conduct must be above reproach every

day.

The Sheriff’s Office will continue to stand accountable through our actions, our vision, mission, and core values in

order to provide the highest level of trust and professionalism this community deserves. The accomplishments at

every level of the agency do not go unnoticed. Aligned with our motto, “People First; Public Safety Always”, we

will provide the highest level of public safety services and seek to improve upon it every day.

Timothy P. Braniff


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SHERIFF’S OFFICE ORGANIZATION

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SERVICE

Patrol Districts: Square Miles

(Unincorporated)

Number of Road Miles

(Unincorporated)

Population (Unincorporated)

Adam District 166.95 533.88 29325

Boy District 47.56 259.92 32691

Charles District 64.76 271.28 36846

David District 187.44 397.24 20834

Edward District 211.61 344.03 20796

Total 678.32 1806.35 140492 Data provided by Thurston County GeoData

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FINANCIAL SERVICES BUREAU

The Financial Services Bureau (FSB) consists of five staff that provide

oversight for the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office’s (TCSO) adherence to

internal financial policies, Thurston County’s financial rules/procedures,

and The BARS (Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System) Manual as

published by the State Auditor’s Office. FSB also works to ensure that the

Sheriff’s Office is in compliance with all RCWs and WACs that govern

financial activities of local government.

Senior Management Analyst

Heidi Thomsen

The Financial Services Bureau is responsible for:

The accounting of all contracts and grants and miscellaneous journal entry adjustments.

Cash receipting, accounts receivable collections, and miscellaneous invoicing.

Auditing payment documents and keying the information into the County’s accounting MUNIS system for payment.

Coordinating all aspects of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office budget, including budget preparation, allotments, expenditures monitoring, and authorized positions.

Coordinating grants, agreements, and other contractual documents with TCSO staff, other local governments, state and federal agencies, and private organizations.

The production of all TCSO employee paychecks and handling leave accruals and adjustments.

Providing assistance to employees with travel reimbursements, as well as assisting personnel with credit cards, and conference details;

Billing, payment collection and reconciliation for inmate medical accounts;

Tracking the TCSO’s small asset inventory.

This year the Financial Services Bureau:

Made over 4,500 vendor payments totaling $9.5 million

Issued employee payroll payments totaling $24.9 million

Collected over $3.8 million in checks, electronic payments and cash

Saved taxpayers over $400,000 for inmate medical costs

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CORRECTIONS BUREAU In accordance with our internal mission statement, the Corrections

Bureau is responsible for, “providing safe, secure, humane and

constitutional detention for individuals who have been legally detained”.

This can only be accomplished through the dedicated efforts of highly

trained and skilled professionals: uniformed, support, and volunteer. As

the Chief Deputy of Corrections, I am proud and thankful to be part of

our on-going accomplishments and successes. Our normal daily

operations included, but are not limited to: Jail Operations, Inmate

Services, Inmate Medical/Dental, Court Transport/Security, various

Inmate Programs/Programming, and Correctional Options Programs

(Electronic Home Monitoring, Work Release, and Day Reporting). This

year was incredibly momentous for the Corrections Bureau. On August

15th, we were able to successfully occupy the new Thurston County Chief Todd Thoma

Corrections Facility. This involved the physical movement of 300+ defendants, along with our entire

operations. The move not only represents a change in where we do our business, it also represents a

change in how we do our business. In the past corrections staff primarily operated in an “indirect

supervision” model, meaning that corrections deputies had little direct contact with inmates and

managed the population from outside the living units. In the new facility, our staff primarily operate

in a “direct supervision” model. Direct supervision combines two key elements—the physical design

of a jail and an inmate management strategy by placing

the Deputy within the living units—to significantly reduce

the problem behaviors commonly seen in jails. Direct

supervision jails focus on actively managing inmate

behavior to produce a jail that is safe and secure for

inmates, staff, volunteers and visitors.

Staff of the Corrections Bureau should not only be

recognized for their efforts during the move, but their

focus and dedication towards accomplishing our vision and

goals since.

TCSO Corrections Bureau Mission Statement: Through professional staff development, along with

evidenced based and/or best practice inmate programming, we are committed to serving the

community by providing safe, secure, humane and constitutional detention for individuals who have

been legally detained.

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General Population represents the average number of inmates that are present in the jail during the month

compared to the Average Daily Population which represents the number of inmates that the Thurston

County Jail is responsible for, but may be housed in other locations or are on furlough etc.

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3 3

2 2 2

6 6

7 7

6

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Corrections Captains and Lieutenants

Corrections Captains Corrections Lieutenants

11 11 11 12 12

6472

79 7772

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Corrections Sergeants and Deputies

Corrections Sergeants Corrections Deputies

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FIELD OPERATIONS BUREAU

Chief Brad Watkins

In 2015, I was assigned as the new Chief Deputy of the Field Operations Bureau (FOB). This move was done to further enhance my skills and abilities by managing a different bureau and offering a “new set of eyes” to review policies and procedures for potential enhancements/changes. Since taking command of this bureau we have updated numerous policies and procedures to insure that we are following in the best practices of our profession.

Also during this time we have had several retirements, promotions, transfers in assignment, and have hired several new deputies in order to meet our mission. It has been a year of change in many aspects for the bureau, but I believe they have all been for the good of the bureau, the agency, and the community we serve. It was sad to lose some of our experienced supervisors


and deputies to retirement, while at the same time exciting to be able to promote new supervisors and hire new deputies that are full energy and commitment to our profession and community.

The agency goal is to provide the citizens we serve with the best possible service we can with the resources available and to treat all persons with respect. I am proud of the men and women of the Field Operations Bureau for the work they have done and will continue to do into the future. One of the goals I have established for this bureau is to increase training for deputies and supervisors to further enhance our professional capabilities and skills, which I believe is essential to a modern law enforcement agency and to prepare the leaders of the future for this agency.

The FOB consists of the Patrol Division, SWAT Team, Dive Rescue Team, Civil Event Response Team, Marine Services Unit, K-9 Unit, Reserve Deputy Unit, Community Service Unit, Explorer Post, Search & Rescue Unit, and numerous other programs to provide the services requested/necessary for keeping our community safe. We are proud of what we do as a profession and look forward to serving our community!

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SPECIALIZED TEAM REPORTS

K9 Team

Program Manager- Lt Ray Brady Team Lead- Sgt Kevin Slease

2015 was - just like 2014 - a year marked by many changes in the K9 Team. In August, K9 Kwai, who first certified on November 8th, 2008, went into his well-earned retirement, having served almost seven years. Our newest dog, K9 Jaxx, was acquired - via donation - at the end of December 2014 and began his formal training in April 2015. Jaxx is handled by our most experienced handler and trainer, Deputy Rod Ditrich. After K9 Jaxx was certified on June 10th, Deputy Ditrich began to prepare K9 Rex for retirement. Rex retired on December 31, 2015. K9 Marko with Deputy Packard and K9 Daro with Deputy Shenkel continue to provide excellent service to the community. In 2015, about 36% percent of all operational K9 applications resulted in finding, confirming, or containing a suspect, which was just over the 2014 34% suspect capture rate. Besides suspects captured, K9 Teams located 20 articles of proper-ty and evidence - 17 during tracks and three during article searches. Of the 48 suspects, three were bitten, for an overall bite ratio of approximately 6.25 percent, which is less than the 2014's eight percent ratio, and well under the 30% threshold that raises concern about the number of bites as compared to the number of captures.

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Metro Traffic Program Manager– Captain Gordon Phillips Team Lead—Captain Gordon Phillips

In 2015, the Metro unit consisted of two deputies working part-time and one Lieutenant as program manager. A two year Interagency Agreement was signed in March between the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) and the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC). The agreement establishes and funds the services of two TCSO deputies who work focused traffic related enforcement for Thurston County Public Works. The unit provided many services to Public Works, by working in construction zones to enforce road closures of county roadways.

Highlights of 2015

In June, METRO provided escort of a supersized load from Maytown to Tumwater. In September, we received two radar feedback signs from the Target Zero program. Provided on-going CDL training to Public Works drivers. Joint resources utilizing Target Zero for enforcement efforts at Kinwood St project.

Totals Unit Activity:

Hours: 1964.5 Contacts: 1011 NOI’s: 466 Citations: 31 Written Warnings: 77 Verbal Warnings: 359 School zone: 19 Construction zone: 1 DUI’s: 2 Collisions: 183

Commercial vehicles Contacts: 141 Weight NOI: 1 Safety NOI: 6 Citations: 4 Inspections: 112

Out of service: 30

Photo courtesy of the Olympian

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Marine Services Unit

Program Manager—Captain Phillips Team Leader—Sgt. Cameron Simper

The Marine Services Unit (MSU) of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) is comprised of nine deputies.

The MSU operates and maintains four vessels. “Integrity”, the largest vessel is moored at Swantown Marina

in Olympia. MSU Deputies patrol Thurston County Lakes and other waterways, primarily during the summer

months. The primary focus of MSU is to educate the public on boating laws and safe vessel operation.

Due to budgetary constraints, TCSO did not participate in a funds matching grant from Washington State

Parks in 2015. As a result, all lake patrol details were funded solely from Vessel Registration Funds. This led

to a reduction in on-water patrol hours.

2015 Activity

595 hours of water patrols

660 visual spot checks

283 written inspections (183 passed and 100 failed)

21 citations

79 warnings

The unit was present for two Regatta events at Black Lake and Lawrence Lake. MSU also participated in

several parades and community events.

MSU conducted mandatory boater education classes, successfully teaching 60 students.

Animal Cruelty Team

Program Manager—Lt. Paul Counts Team Leader—Sgt. Cheryl Stines

In 2015 there were approximately 718 animal cases reported to the sheriff’s office. These

include any type of call that was coded by dispatch as “animal” such as: loose horses or cows,

dog bites, injured deer, wildlife sightings, animal on animal attacks, cases referred to Animal

Control, etc.

Of the 718 calls there were approximately 42 reports written. 24 of the 42 reports involved

complaints about neglected horses or livestock. Of those 24 reports 15 were assigned to an

ACT member. Five of those 15 cases were referred to the prosecutor’s office for consideration

of charges, five of the cases were closed/suspended after investigation and five of those cases

are still active.

In order to more effectively address the issues of animal cruelty and neglect in Thurston

County, the Sheriff’s Office sent a deputy to the National Animal Cruelty School.

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Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Program Manager—Captain Greg Elwin Team Leader—Sgt. Jeff Dehan

The Thurston County SWAT Team is a 24 member team. The Team currently consists of ten members from the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, four from the Lacey Police Department, four from the Olympia Police Department, three from the Tumwater Police Department, one from the Yelm Police Department, one Tactical Paramedic sponsored by Medic One and the Tumwater Fire Department, and one ER Doctor from St. Peters Hospital. Throughout 2015, Thurston County SWAT activated for eight missions. These activations included missions that involved barricaded and hostage situations to assisting the Thurston county Regional Narcotics Task Force with high risk warrant services. Several SWAT operators were also assigned to provide additional security during the mass inmate transfer to the new Thurston County Jail. SWAT operators participated in 180 hours of team training during 2015. The training was conducted at the Olympia Range, Onalaska Range, Skookumchuck Dam, Weyerhaeuser property, Amtrak in Seattle, Yelm High School, and a variety of other private property business/residences throughout Thurston County.

Dive Rescue Team (DRT) Program Manger—Captain Greg Elwin Team Leader—Lt. Ray Brady

Though the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office Dive Rescue Team (DRT) primarily provides water rescue and

recovery services for Thurston County, the team also lends its resources and expertise throughout Homeland

Security Region 3 which includes Mason, Lewis, Grays Harbor, and

Pacific Counties. Comprised of team members from the Lacey and

Tumwater Police Departments, The Lacey Fire Department, and the

Southeast Thurston Fire Authority, the DRT is truly a collaborative

effort .

DRT responded to seven (7) missions throughout 2015; two drowning

victims were recovered and six people were rescued by DRT. DRT

team members participated in extensive training throughout 2015

which included training advanced dive rescue, swift water, and rope

rescue training. DRT also assisted with the Kiwanis Camp at the WSP Academy and provided static displays

at safety events that were hosted by Littlerock fire and the Emergency Preparedness Expo in Yelm.

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Civil Event Response Team (CERT)

Program Manager—Lt. Ray Brady Team Leader—Lt. Tim Rudloff

Though there were no full team deployments in 2015, members of

the CERT team were deployed on four separate occasions for

various events that occurred within Thurston County. The team

continues to train annually and equipment was upgraded in 2015.

Gas Mask Donning Drills

Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT)

Program Manager—Lt. John Price (Retired) Team Leader—Lt. Tim Rudloff

Thurston County HNT works closely with Thurston County SWAT. Tasked with

bringing about a peaceful solution to highly charged incidents involving barricaded

subjects, the member of the HNT are highly skilled crisis communicators.

During 2015, the HNT was activated four times. Members of the HNT participate in

team raining quarterly in addition to advanced training that is received by the

individual team members.

HNT at Work

Reserve Deputy Program

Program Manager—Captain Gordon Phillips Team Leader—Sgt. Dave Odegaard

During 2015, Reserve Deputies provided over 1700 hours of volunteer service and support for the Sheriff’s

Office and the Citizens of Thurston County in many areas including: patrol, prisoner transport, prisoner

security, site security, search and rescue, security at public event, first aid training, firearms instruction and

other department functions.

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Community Service Unit (CSU)

Program Manager—Captain Gordon Phillips Team Leader—Sgt. Dave Odegaard

During 2015, members of the CSU provided support for our department in several areas that included but

was not limited to: (1) Conducting vacation house checks requested by citizens, (2) Disabled parking

enforcement throughout Thurston County, (3) Traffic control/security at several events in Thurston County

including at active shooter training, Swede Days Parade, the Reindeer Run, the Thurston County Fair, Capitol

City Marathon, Tumwater Parade, Yelm Parade and many others, and (4) conducting IRIS scan events

through The Child Project in conjunction with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Two

new support projects taken on by CSU in 2015 included the school backpack program and mentoring school

children in the summer YMCA program. The CSU provided approximately 3,000 hours of volunteer service

in 2015 .

Explorer Post #734

Program Manager—Lt. Paul Counts Team Leader—Sgt. Cheryl Stines

Explorer Post 734 is a group of 15 youth and young adults between the ages of

15- 20, supervised by a cadre of Explorer Advisors. The explorers are given the

opportunity to experience law enforcement through a combination of

classroom and practical training which covers officer safety skills, community

policing, investigative techniques, responding to 911 calls via mock scenarios,

and physical fitness requirements. The explorers are also given the opportunity

to ride with deputies on patrol and to participate as actors in various law

enforcement training.

In the community, the Explorers helped with parking and security at

community events, provided Iris scanning for children. During 2015, the

Explorers donated over 2800 hours of their own time out in the community.

This does not include the time they spend attending the yearly explorer

academies and the explorer meetings. Explorer Mock Scene

Search and Rescue (SAR)

Program Manager—Captain Gordon Phillips Team Leader—Sgt. Mike Hirte

Thurston County Search and Rescue represents a coalition of several different search and rescue units that

include: Thurston County Search and Rescue, Thurston County Sheriff’s Office Jeep Patrol, South Puget Sound

Search and Rescue, and Washington Explorer Search and Rescue. Throughout 2015, these units volunteered

6788 hours during a combination of seven activations within Thurston County and five activations for out of

County search and rescue operations.

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5 5 5 3 3

6 6 6 810

47 46 4844 45

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Patrol Staffing

Lieutenants Sergeants Deputies

200 239

519

1675 1744 1841

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

County Road Collisions

In 2013, the Sheriff’s Office became responsible

for investigating collisions on county roadways.

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I assumed responsibility for the Support Services Bureau (SSB) in September of 2015. With 30 years law enforcement experience, I have had the opportunity to serve many roles throughout the Sheriff’s Office. As I transitioned into my new assignment, I quickly discovered that the Support Services Bureau is staffed by a truly fantastic group of men and women. The men and women, both commissioned and non-commissioned, who work with me demonstrate each and every day that they are dedicated to the idea that we work for you. Our goal today as it was when I served as Civil Chief is to provide top quality customer service to the citizens and businesses of Thurston County.

SUPPORT SERVICES BUREAU

Chief Dave Pearsall

The Support Services Bureau is responsible for a number of critical functions within the Sheriff’s Office. These functions include processing and serving civil orders, tracking and processing arrest warrants, and maintaining all records associated with the Sheriff’s Office. Throughout 2015, staff processed 3,624 protection orders, 3,273 civil papers, and 780 writs. Other duties that are performed by the Firearms Section include issuing concealed weapons permits and processing gun transfer requests. We are also called upon to provide fingerprinting services and our Records Section handles the public records disclosure requests for the Sheriff’s Office. The Investigative Services Division (ISD) is a part of the Support Services Division. The ISD is comprised of experienced detectives that are assigned primarily felony cases to investigate. The types of cases include thefts, burglaries, assaults, homicide, etc. The ISD also tracks the more than 700 sex offenders who reside within Thurston County. The ISD is also responsible for the background investigations that must occur for anyone who wishes to be employed with the Sheriff’s Office. The background process is an extremely rigorous process which requires an extensive background investigation that is handled by a team of highly effective background investigators.

Throughout 2016 and in the years to come, the Support Service Bureau will continue to provide outstanding customer service to the citizens of Thurston County and to our law enforcement partners. If you have any questions or comments about the Support Services Bureau and the service we provide please feel free to contact me directly at 360-786-5503.

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EMPLOYEE ACHIEVEMENTS

Life Saving Award

The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office Life Saving Award is bestowed upon members of the Sheriff’s Office who take specific action at

the scene of an event resulting in the saving of a human life.

Sergeant Terry Shupe

On November 17, 2014, retired Thurston County Corrections employee and volunteer to the ARC transition team, Ms. Bonnie Wie-

burg, contacted Sergeant Terry Shupe at the office by phone. She was in town and inquiring if any assistance was needed. At the

end of the conversation, Ms. Wieburg, who suffers from diabetes, indicated the she was suddenly not feeling well and was going to

be stopping near the Jo-Ann’s store to get a snack. Sergeant Shupe instructed her to call back following her stop to ensure she was

okay.

A half-hour passed and Sergeant Shupe had not heard back from Ms. Wieburg. She took upon herself to respond to the area and upon arrival located Wieburg’s vehicle. She found her unconscious and slumped over the steering wheel, her vehicle was locked. Sergeant Shupe immediately called 911 and attempted to wake her by pounding on the windows. She was able to wake Ms. Wie-burg just as the medics arrived.

Sergeant Shupe described Ms. Wieburg as disoriented, barely conscious, and pale. Medics began treatment and reported to Ser-geant Shupe that had she not responded and called for help, Ms. Wieburg most likely would not have survived.

Sergeant Shupe’s actions are a testament to her humanity and professionalism. Her actions clearly saved the life of Ms. Wieburg.

Special Note, This is the second life-saving award presented to Sergeant Shupe. She was also recognized in April 2004 for her ac-

tions in saving and inmate that attempted suicide.

Deputy Sean Chatterton

On March 2, 2015 at 2346 hours, TCOMM dispatched a fire call for a home at 16546 123rd Ave SE in Yelm where an 88 year-old

male was possibly trapped inside. Deputy Sean Chatterton responded and arrived at 2356 hours to find the home fully engulfed. He

learned the resident was still inside the home and quickly made his way to a broken window. As Deputy Chatterton started to climb

inside he was engaged verbally with Mr. Delbert “Lee” McGill, a neighbor who had already entered the home, and pulled the

occupant, Mr. Vernon Horst, to the window. Deputy Chatterton leaned in the window, grabbed Mr. Horst and pulled him out of the

window. Once he was out of the house he grabbed him by his arms and drug him away from the residence. At that point fire and

medical personnel arrived. Deputy Chatterton assisted fire personnel with stabilizing and placing Mr. Horst on a gurney. He then

organized a landing zone at Yelm Middle School for an airlift, and followed the aid vehicle. However, while en route was advised

the airlift could not fly. Mr. Horst survived his injuries. Deputy Chatterton’s actions that night clearly contributed to saving the life

of Mr. Horst.

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EMPLOYEE ACHIEVEMENTS New Employees

Corrections Technician Cortney Kaiser Corrections Deputy Mario Koziej Corrections Deputy Bryan Jacobsen Corrections Deputy Corey Lund Corrections Deputy Corey Luck Corrections Deputy Jeff Archer Corrections Deputy Joseph Gerkman Legal Assistant Kari Ann Knies Legal Assistant Sheryl Drake Deputy Daniel Walwark Deputy Jordan Potis Deputy Knute Lehmann Deputy Per Perez Deputy Charles Ault Scott Freeman – Reserve Deputy Kevin Burton-Crow – Reserve Deputy Harold Watson – CSU Volunteer Jim Roberts – CSU Volunteer

Years of Service Certificates

20 Years

Captain Greg Elwin Corrections Deputy David Steinberg Detective Ben Elkins Reserve Deputy Zack Belman Sergeant Kevin Slease Sheriff John Snaza Legal Assistant Judy Leeson-Buzzo

25 Years Legal Assistant Supervisor Iva Montgomery Corrections Lieutenant Valerie Peters Corrections Sergeant Tammie Stewart Deputy Daryl Leischner Deputy Jeff Norton Deputy Tom Cole Chief Todd Thoma

30 Years Corrections Sergeant Bryan Hatchett Corrections Lieutenant Debbie Thompson

Promotions

Lieutenant Raymond Brady Corrections Sergeant Jenny Hovda Sergeant Michael Hirte Sergeant Samuel “David” Claridge

Retirements

Lieutenant John Price Sergeant Alvin Griffin Legal Assistant Julie Wright Deputy Gary Griffin Deputy Tom Tinsley Corrections Lieutenant Gary Bailey Corrections Deputy Skip Guill Sergeant James Dunn


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www.co.thurston.wa.us/sheriff/

2000 Lakeridge Drive SW Olympia, WA 98502

Office: 360-786-5500

Fax: 360-786-5275

Follow us on:

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office On-Line Crime Reporting

www.co.thurston.wa.us/sheriff/citizen-reporting/start-report.html

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thurston county sheriff's office annual report 2015

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