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Pierce County proclaims Law Enforcement Appreciation Day; sheriff highlights new hires and asks for corrections bonuses
Summary
The council proclaimed Jan. 9 Law Enforcement Appreciation Day; the sheriff announced eight new deputy hires (six entry-level, two lateral), thanked the council for hiring bonuses and urged similar support for corrections staff, while a state patrol lieutenant urged more interagency coordination after recent trooper injuries.
Pierce County Council on Jan. 6 designated Jan. 9, 2026 as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and heard remarks from the Washington State Patrol, the Pierce County sheriff and an executive representative about recent officer injuries, new hires and budget support.
Lieutenant William Steen of the Washington State Patrol described a recent period of multiple officer-involved collisions and troopers struck in the line of duty and urged deeper interagency coordination and data-sharing to identify high-collision corridors and dangerous driving behaviors. Steen said coordinated patrols and shared data allow agencies to “target dangerous driving behaviors and increase visibility in places and at the times when our presence can save more lives.”
Sheriff Swank told the council his office hired eight new deputies — six entry-level and two lateral — and said the bonuses passed in the last biennial budget have helped recruitment. He asked the council to ensure corrections staff receive comparable recognition and support, saying corrections workers were “left out” of the recent bonuses and urging the council to extend support to jail staff.
An executive representative told the council the adopted biennial budget committed more than $26,000,000 in additional funding over the last biennium for public safety, including sustained hiring bonuses, enhanced training and wellness programs, and support for specialized units such as SWAT and swift-water rescue teams.
Council members from several districts thanked law enforcement and families for mutual aid during recent floods and for the daily risks officers face. The council paused for a moment of silence earlier in the meeting for Washington State Patrol Trooper Tara Marissa Guding, who was killed Dec. 19, 2025 while investigating a collision on State Route 509.
The council adjourned after this and other items; members did not take formal action on additional law-enforcement funding at the Jan. 6 meeting but discussed ongoing recruitment goals and wellness supports for officers and corrections staff.
