Ep. 44: Making Change and Leading from the Front, with Sheriff Derek Sanders

Blue Grit Radio : the better cops and community podcast

There's a new sheriff in town! Well, as of early this year there certainly was. My lessons in political science underlined how difficult it is to beat an incumbent, despite the other factors. Well, my guest, Derek Sanders did just that in the election for Thurston County Sheriff here in WA State. No small feat, but from the outside he did so with intense passion, vision, and by leading from the front.
This is a man whose claim to fame also involves his historic youth- being the youngest sheriff in WA State. At 29 years old, he was an underdog, but I love to highlight that to give a nudge to the young ones in whatever profession- you may get labeled but don't do it to yourself. Age is an absolute asset, when you consider the energy, drive, ability and willingness to learn and adapt that it can afford. My conversation with Sheriff Sanders had me taking notes and gracious for the shared stories.
Sheriff Sanders' bio:
Sheriff Sanders started his law enforcement career off with Lacey Police Department at the age of 19 as a Cadet. At 22, Sheriff Sanders was hired by Thurston County Sheriff’s Office as a Patrol Deputy.

In 2022, Sheriff Sanders challenged a 12 year incumbent for the position of Sheriff, and despite the low odds of victory, won his election by 11% to become the youngest Sheriff elected in state history.

During his time with the sheriff’s office, Sheriff Sanders has received 2 life saving awards in addition to the Medal of Valor for his efforts to rescue a wheel chair bound woman from a house fire. Sheriff Sanders enjoys playing basketball, boating, and working on cars.
You can find him at @sheriffsanders on IG.

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music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic