T C S O N

T C S O N E W S
December 2015
Happy Holidays! This is an exciting time of year for everyone, and here at your Sheriff’s
Office it is no different. This time of year represents family and caring, and as you get
together to celebrate, we are also getting together for various reasons, including
celebration and deliberation.
This is the time of year when the word “budget” is spoken many times during the day.
We have submitted our budget requests to the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC)
and await their deliberations and formal adoption of the 2016 budget. We hope that by
working with the BoCC, we can provide the best service to the community that our
allotments can buy. We are winding down 2015 and looking forward to a great 2016!
One achievement we have been celebrating the past several months is the opening of
our new jail. The Thurston County Corrections Facility (TCCF) (known during construction
and development as the ARC) has been open since mid-August and our staff are getting
settled into their new facility. Referred to around here as simply “the jail”, the TCCF is a
state of the art operation that incorporates direct supervision of inmates. Direct
Sheriff John Snaza supervision jails primarily consist of dorms, which are large open rooms with a cluster of
bunks surrounding a living area with tables, chairs, and televisions. A deputy is stationed within the dorm and has visual
observation of inmates and maintains the ability to relate to them on a personal level. Placing the deputy in the dorm
increases their awareness of the behaviors and needs of the inmates. This results in a safer environment for both staff
and inmates. Because interaction between inmates is closely monitored, dissension can be quickly detected before it
escalates. During the day, inmates stay in the open area (dayroom) and typically are not permitted to go their bunks
except with permission of the officer in charge.
Another reason to celebrate has been the addition of a School Resource Officer (SRO) partnership with the Rochester
School District. You will read more about that program later in the news, but I want to let everyone know how proud and
pleased I am that the school district took the initiative to work with us and that our staff responded by getting this program
off the ground in a short amount of time. Having our deputies in schools on a regular and scheduled basis goes a long way
towards providing a safe environment for learning and building bridges between your Sheriff’s office and the community.
Have a very safe and Happy Holidays!
- John
Don’t be a Victim of the Grinch!
This is a time of year where criminals and others looking to take advantage of unwary people are all over the place. Those
who choose to steal from others and take advantage of kindness and generosity view the holiday season as ripe pickings.
Protect yourself and be aware of thieves and scammers by doing some very simple things:
Lock the doors of your house and vehicles and keep your outside lights on at night. Thieves don’t want to be heard or
seen.
Keep valuables locked in your trunk or out of sight; don’t tempt thieves or make it easy for them.
Don’t share personal identifying information with anyone you don’t know or can’t verify, including by phone or email.
Don’t start your car to defrost it and leave it running unsecured.
If you’re having packages delivered, make a plan to have them secured as soon as practical; don’t leave them in sight
on your porch.

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office News
Page 2
Quarterly Bureau Updates
Bureau Chiefs
Field Operations Bureau
Corrections Bureau
Chief Brad Watkins
I am excited to accept my new assignment
to the Field Operations Bureau
(FOB)! Effective September 1, 2015, I
assumed command of FOB and it has
been a flurry of activity since I arrived. I
want to thank Chief Pearsall for aiding
in my transition, most specifically the
fact that he left in place dozens of great
people to work with!
As the Sheriff mentioned, we have moved
into our new home. After years of
planning and construction, our staff were
able to make the move and get the new
jail up and running. It is exciting to take
this great step, but getting here was no
easy task. I want to send a heartfelt
thanks to the staff that made this move
possible!
Chief Todd Thoma
My most recent Field Operations assignment was as the
Patrol Division Captain under Sheriff Edwards. Since then, I
have been Undersheriff to Sheriff Kimball and a Bureau
Chief for Sheriff Snaza. It’s good to be back in Operations.
It is safe to say that the more things change, the more they
remain the same. Many of the challenges faced by patrol
deputies a decade ago exist today; we have unfilled
vacancies, we work diligently to meet our minimum staffing
levels, and we are challenged by the number and nature of
calls for service. What has noticeably changed since is the
intensity of the calls for service. Our staff face a more
violent and less respectful segment of society. Although
much of our daily interaction is with good people who have
been victimized or have other law enforcement needs, the
ones doing the victimizing are increasingly prone to violence.
This seems to stem from the fact that criminals have little to
no self-respect, and therefore don’t respect others. It is
however commendable the way our Field Ops staff handle
these challenges and it is rewarding to be part of this team!
Moving from one jail to another is just like moving from one
house to another in only one way; it’s called “moving.” The
similarities stop there. We have a staff of over 115 people
who need to learn how to do their jobs in a way that is
different from the past and in a facility that only vaguely
resembles the facility they’ve been in. Oh, and there’s nearly
350 inmates that need to be securely moved as well as over
60 Correctional Options inmates, including work release, day
jail, and home monitoring.
Making such a move happen can only be done with
tremendous coordination. We were fortunate to be able to
work with the WA State Department of Corrections and other
stakeholders at the county level to make the move happen.
Folks from county Central Services were vital in making the
switch for phones and computers, and their staff continue to
aid us as we work out the facility and mechanical bugs and
just like in your new home, identify those things that need to
be adjusted, altered or changed.
Support Services Bureau
It’s good to be back! After over five years in the Field Operations Bureau, I have been reassigned to the
Support Services Bureau. This is my second assignment here, so it has been very comfortable
reacquainting myself with the people and the programs. There is one change since I was here last; our
bureau now includes the Investigative Services Division. This team of detectives and supervisors is
responsible for conducting complex criminal investigations, background investigations for employee
candidates, and the collection and preservation of all evidence items and found property.
This assignment also physically moves me back into the main office at the county courthouse where I
Chief Dave Pearsall have the opportunity to work closely with the staff in the Records, Warrants, Civil, and the front desk
sections. These are vitally important to the operation of the sheriff’s office and represent much of the
foundation on which the agency is built. We are statutorily required to provide these services, and they must be done at the
highest level in order to reduce the potential liability for the office and the Sheriff. I’m honored to have this responsibility
and work with the professional staff who get it all done!
The past five years in Field Ops has been a great time and I look forward to this next phase of my career in Support Services!

Regional Incident Management Team Aids the Community
Sergeant Ken Clark
Like many of you, I watched as the tragic events unfolded in Paris several weeks ago. I empathized with the anguish that so
many Parisian families felt as they waited to hear if the lives of their loved ones had been cruelly snatched from them by the
senseless violence that was sweeping across the beautiful and historic city of lights. Though this cowardly attack in Paris is
an extreme example of the dangers that we all may face in this modern world, it is not the only kind of incident that can
cause upheaval in our daily lives. While we hope that we will never have to face a manmade incident like the one in Paris or
a natural disaster like the people faced in Oso, I hope you will take comfort in the knowledge that there are people who
stand ready to help manage the unimaginable and help communities recover.
The Homeland Security Region 3 Incident Management Team (HSR3 IMT) is comprised of volunteers and employees from
various fire departments and law enforcement agencies from Thurston, Mason, Lewis, Pacific, and Grays Harbor Counties.
As a Type 3 All-Hazard Incident Management Team, we stand ready to answer the call for assistance whenever a community
has experienced a natural or man-made disaster that threatens to overwhelm the local government’s ability to manage the
incident.
Working hand in hand with the affected local agencies, the HSR3
IMT is able to field personnel who possess specialized training and
skills, and the equipment that is needed to effectively manage a
wide variety of dynamic incidents and disasters. The IMT personnel
who answer the call when a community is in crisis are your
neighbors; they are citizens who have dedicated themselves to
helping communities when chaos runs amuck.
The mission of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) is to
protect life, property, and individual rights while providing
professional and ethical service to our community. We understand
that we can only be successful if we develop partnerships with our
citizens. The relationship that exists between TCSO and the HSR3 IMT is the result of many years of cooperation. This
partnership allows the Sheriff’s Office to be better prepared for the unimaginable upheaval that is always lurking just
beyond tomorrow.
In 2015, your IMT supported the flooding and landslide event in Gray’s Harbor County as well as the wildfires that raged
throughout the state. TCSO wishes to thank the dedicated personnel of the HSR3 IMT for their unwavering service and
commitment to community.
K9 Deputy is TCSO Deputy of the Year &
Kiwanis Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
The Olympia Kiwanis Club recently hosted the Thurston County Pat Sutherland Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Awards. The ceremony recognizes local officers for their contributions to the community.
Thurston County Deputy of the Year Rod Ditrich received the Pat Sutherland Award for his
many years of work as a well-respected, outstanding employee of the Thurston County
Sheriff’s Office (TCSO). Deputy Ditrich’s career has included 10 years with the TCSO SWAT
Team, six years with the Narcotics Task Force and for the past eight years he has been in
the K-9 Unit. In 2007 Deputy Ditrich helped re-establish a TCSO K-9 Unit after more than
16 years without K-9s. Deputy Ditrich began as a Patrol Dog Handler, advanced to a
Master Patrol Dog Handler, and for the past five years has been a K-9 Unit Trainer for TCSO
and for the Washington State Police Canine Association.
Deputy Ditrich served nearly 10 years in the US Army prior to beginning his career in law
enforcement, which began in 1995 with the City of Lacey as a Police Officer. In 1997 Deputy Ditrich was hired by TCSO as
a Deputy Sheriff. Deputy Ditrich is currently assigned two canines, Rex, a nine year old German Shepherd nearing
retirement and Jaxx who is a 21 month old German Shepherd that is in the final phases of his training to replace K-9
Rex. Deputy Ditrich trained and helped prepare TCSO’s two newest K-9 Handlers and their dogs who have begun very
successful careers.
Congratulations Rod!

TCSO Recognizes Accomplishments at Awards Ceremony
On Friday September 26, 2015, the Thurston Count Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) held our 3rd trimester Awards Ceremony.
Included in this ceremony were retirees, new hires, promotions, years of service certificates, and three lifesaving awards.
Retirements:
Deputy Tom Tinsley
Tom worked for TCSO for over 23 years. He received two lifesaving awards, the first one in 1998 for saving the life of a
suicidal man, and a second lifesaving award today for performing CPR on an unresponsive man. Tom was selected as the
Kiwanis Officer of the Year for 2000. He received a
Certificate of Commendation on August 25, 2007 for his
leadership in starting, organizing, and participating in the
Safety Fair at the Capital Auto Mall. In 2008, Tom was
recognized by TOGETHER! as a Champion for Kids for his
efforts on the Child Safety Seat Program and Operation
Santa. Tom was recognized in January 2015 for his efforts
over 10 years to voluntary coordinate, collect, and delivery
donations of toys, clothing, and money to the Rochester
Organization of Families (ROOF) Operation Santa program.
Tom served as part of the Child Passenger Safety Team for
most of his career. Tom retired from TCSO on October 31,
2015 after serving as a commissioned law enforcement
officer for over 44 years including 20 years in the US Army,
six years as a Reserve Deputy, and 23 years as a Deputy
with TCSO. We would like to thank Tom for his dedicated
service to his country, this agency, and the citizens of
Thurston County.
Awards
Deputy Tom Tinsley, then and now...
Deputy Kris Kimball – Lifesaving Award
On February 4, 2015 at 0226 hours, Deputy Kris Kimball rescued a male from an attempt at suicide by carbon monoxide
poisoning. Deputy Kimball’s quick actions and resulted in saving the man’s life.
Deputy Camm Clark – Lifesaving Award
On August 6, 2015, Deputy Camm Clark responded to a heroin overdose and performed CPR, saving the man’s life.
Deputy Tom Tinsley – Lifesaving Award
On June 5, 2015, Deputy Tom Tinsley responded to an aid call and performed CPR on a male until fire personnel arrived,
Deputy Tinsley’s actions saved the man’s life.
Promotions
Ray Brady – Lieutenant promotion
Ray Brady was promoted to lieutenant on August 2, 2015 and assigned to the Field Operations Bureau.
Michael Hirte – Sergeant promotion
Mike Hirte was promoted to sergeant on July 1, 2015 and assigned to the Field Operations Bureau.
David Claridge – Sergeant promotion
David Claridge was promoted to sergeant on July 1, 2015 and assigned to the Field Operations Bureau.
(Continued on page 5)

This Just in!! Two Deputies Announce their Retirements!
After 19 years, Corrections Deputy Clarance “Skip” Guill retired on December 1st, 2015. Skip
became a reserve deputy in June 1995 and in that capacity served Thurston County, Shelton, and
Lacey. He started with Corrections in February 1996. Skip received a Lifesaving Commendation in
June 1998 for his quick actions saving an inmate attempting suicide. A few of his special
assignments included two tours as a Medical Liaison Officer, Range Safety Officer, and member of
the Awards Committee. Skip will be returning to help out at the new jail as an extra-hire, part-time
Corrections Deputy.
Corrections Deputy
Skip Guill
Sergeant Jim Dunn has announced his retirement from the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office
effective December 15, 2015. Sergeant Dunn has worked for TCSO since he started as an explorer
at age 16, became a cadet at 18, went off to college, and was hired in March of 1977. He spent 25
years as a detective, 30 years on the Hostage Negotiation Team, 31 years in Honor Guard, and 32
years on the Dive Team over his amazing 40 year career. Jim is taking a job as an investigator with
the Washington State Department of Licensing.
We thank both Skip and Jim for their service to TCSO and the citizens of Thurston County and wish
them all the best in their next adventures!
Sergeant Jim Dunn
(Continued from page 4)
New Employees
Kyle Fugere – New hire Corrections Deputy Kyle was hired on July 1, 2015.
Joe Gerkman – New Hire Corrections Deputy Joe was hired on August 17, 2015.
Cortney Kaiser – New hire Corrections Technician Cortney was hired on July 27, 2015.
Sheryl Drake – New hire Legal Assistant Sheryl was hired on August 16, 2015.
Years of Service
20 Years: Sheriff John Snaza
25 Years: Deputy Jeff Norton
Judgment, Character, Honor, Integrity, Loyalty, Courtesy, Knowledge

TCSO and the Rochester School District Join Forces
Captain Gregory Elwin
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) is pleased to announce a joint venture with the
Rochester School District that has put deputies in Rochester schools. TCSO and the district
have both longed to identify a way to create a School Resource Officer (SRO) program, and
earlier this year the district decided to provide TCSO with funding to make it happen!
Under the plan, TCSO will provide deputies in the Rochester schools for four hours per day on
each school day. Since this is not a full-time position, we needed to find a way to meet the
obligation while maintaining a good relationship with the school staff and students. Two
deputies were selected to share this assignment, ensuring that one of them would be in the
schools on each school day. Deputies Steve Hamilton and Eugene DuPrey accepted this
assignment with gusto!
Both deputies bring a wealth of experience to this new assignment, having spent years as detectives and as ambassadors
of the sheriff’s office. Although working in schools is a new assignment, working with kids isn’t. Each deputy has spent
considerable personal time over the years working and volunteering with various school and family programs and Deputy
DuPrey has been an active youth and high school football coach for years. The personalities and experiences of these
deputies make them the ideal fit for this assignment.
Since early October, they have become familiar with their new assignment and meeting the expectations of the school
district. Their role is multi-faceted, to included teaching, mentoring, and investigating as necessary. What they are not is
disciplinarians. It is important that the line be very clear between breaking the law and breaking the rules. If student
misconduct rises to the level of a criminal law violation, then the deputies will investigate appropriately. If the misconduct
remains a violation of school or district policy, or rules alone, then that is left to district personnel to address. That said,
the incidence of misconduct has been low and the interaction with the students and staff has been outstanding.
Having deputies in schools is a realistic expectation, and it is through innovative and creative programs like this one that
we are able to attain this goal. TCSO looks forward to growing this program and working closely with the other districts in
the county to meet this need. Special thanks to Rochester School District superintendent Kim Fry and the school board for
their dedication to student and staff safety and for making this program a reality.
Upcoming Events:
December 17, 2015: Christmas Luncheon, 12:00 Noon, Headquarters
December 25, 2015: Christmas Holiday—Offices Closed
January 1, 2016: New Years Holiday—Offices Closed
January 18, 2016: Martin Luther King Holiday—Offices Closed
January 29, 2016: 1st Trimester TCSO Awards Ceremony—2:30p
February 15, 2016: Presidents Day Holiday– Offices Closed
Newsletter Editor
Captain Gregory Elwin
360.786.5508 elwing@co.thurston.wa.us
Thurston County Sheriff’s Office
2000 Lakeridge Dr. SW
Olympia, WA. 98502
360-786-5500
TDD:360-754-2933
www.thurstonsheriff.org
Follow us on Twitter @thurstonsheriff
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM TCSO!