The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit has formally endorsed incumbent Sheriff Derek Sanders for re-election.
An endorsement letter was published to Sanders’ campaign social media accounts on Sunday, April 19.
The letter reads:
To the Citizens of Thurston County,
As members of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit, we are proud to offer our full support and endorsement for the re-election of Sheriff Sanders.
Serving as K9 handlers requires a high level of trust, training, and commitment to the safety of our community. Throughout Sheriff Sanders’ leadership, he has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting specialized units like the K9 program and ensuring deputies have the resources, training, and backing needed to perform our duties safely and effectively.
Sheriff Sanders has always made it clear that public safety, professionalism, and accountability are top priorities. Under his leadership, the Sheriff’s Office has maintained a strong focus on proactive policing, community partnerships, and supporting deputies in the field. His willingness to listen to deputies, advocate for our needs, and invest in programs that enhance public safety has made a meaningful difference in our ability to serve the people of Thurston County.
As K9 handlers, we understand how critical leadership support is for the success of specialized units. Sheriff Sanders has continuously supported our program and recognized the value that K9 teams bring to patrol operations, suspect apprehension, and community engagement.
We believe Sheriff Sanders’ experience, leadership, and dedication make him the right person to continue leading the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. For these reasons, we strongly endorse his re-election and look forward to continuing to serve our community under his leadership.
Respectfully,
Deputy Pearsall, Deputy Braniff, Deputy Vandiver, Sergeant Bagby K9 Unit Supervisor, K9 Jaxx (retired TCSO K9)
In addition to the K9 Unit, Sanders has been endorsed by the Tumwater Police Guild, 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.
