My name is Will Reichardt and I am running for the office of Skagit County Sheriff in the upcoming election. The Sheriff's Office will face a number of challenges in the next 4 years. With shrinking budgets and increasing demands for service, the next Sheriff will need the ability to hit the ground running; with a solid experienced background in modern law enforcement and a clear understanding of the true priorities of this community we call the Skagit Valley.
After graduating from Anacortes High School in 1978, I attended Skagit Valley College and graduated in 1980 with an AA degree in Criminal Justice. I continued my education at Western Washington University and graduated with a BA degree in political science with an emphasis on public administration.
In 1984, I was hired by Sheriff John Boynton and recently finished my 26th year with the Sheriff's Office. I was originally hired as a corrections deputy in the newly built jail and spent 3 years there learning a lot about the basics of law enforcement, but even more about how to effectively deal with people. After making the decision to move to the patrol division, I was hired by Sheriff Gary Frazier and began my career as a patrol deputy.
As a deputy, I was involved in our boat patrol unit as well as a field training officer. I spent 6 years as a detective working felony level investigations. In 1996, I was promoted to the rank of patrol sergeant by Sheriff Ed Goodman and later promoted to chief of field services, where I was responsible for all of the patrol division, overseeing all deputies activities including our high risk team (SWAT), K-9, east detachment, boating and search and rescue. In 2003, with the election of Sheriff Rick Grimstead, I was asked to serve as his Chief Criminal Deputy and have held that position ever since. As chief deputy, I am responsible for supervision of our investigations division and our evidence unit. I am the primary investigator for internal affairs and serve as the office public information officer.
During my career with the office, I was elected twice by my co-workers to serve as president of our labor guild and have sat at both sides of the table during numerous contract negotiations and various labor issues.
I am currently Commander of the county-wide local Drug Task Force, made up of detectives from; the Washington State Patrol, Mount Vernon and Anacortes police departments, Skagit County Sheriff's office, Washington State National Guard and the U.S. Border Patrol.
During my career, I have graduated from various professional academies, including the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, where I spent 3 months of advanced training in a variety of law enforcement and leadership disciplines; with law enforcement professionals from all over the United States and 17 different countries around the world. I am also a graduate of the Drug Unit Commanders Academy, sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), also held on the Quantico Marine Base in Virginia.
As an active member of our community, I am currently on the Board of Directors for the Skagit Valley United Way. I am a graduate of the Leadership Skagit class of 2009 and currently sit on the leadership committee for Early Childhood education.
I participate and serve on the Skagit County Gang Intervention and Prevention committee, as well as the Skagit County Meth Action Team.
In the past, I have volunteered some time with local youth sports and as an avid runner in my time off, I am a member of the Skagit Runners running club and for a number of years have participated in law enforcement runs to help raise funds to support Special Olympics.
I am a charter member of Cascade Lodge 18 of the Fraternal Order of Police. My wife and I together, are members of the Lincoln Theatre and enjoy supporting community theatre throughout Skagit County. In addition I was elected as a delegate to the Skagit County democratic convention in the spring of 2008.
As a career law enforcement officer in Skagit County, I believe I have a good understanding of the criminal and social problems facing our county today. As a native of Skagit County and someone who loves this valley, I treasure our community and those things that make it unique. Our diverse cultures, our history, our businesses and of course, our natural resources.
It is my intention to work hard to improve and maintain what we have for future generations. Public safety is a vital component that enables a community to thrive and as Sheriff, I will always do my best to insure the safety of all citizens.
Sincerely,
Will Reichardt