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Pierce County proclaims Jan. 9 Law Enforcement Appreciation Day; leaders tout hires and new funding
Summary
The Pierce County Council proclaimed Jan. 9, 2026, Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Washington State Patrol Lt. William Steen and Sheriff Swank praised interagency work after recent officer-involved incidents; the sheriff reported eight new hires and the executive cited $26 million in additional funding and sustained hiring bonuses.
The Pierce County Council on Tuesday designated Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and heard officials describe recent hires and budget boosts aimed at strengthening public safety.
Chair Janne Hitchin opened the proclamation and Vice Chair Paul Herrera read language noting the county’s recent budget commitments to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, including sustained hiring bonuses and expanded operational support.
“We have both the ability and responsibility to identify high crime areas that overlap with locations of high traffic injuries and fatalities,” Lt. William Steen of the Washington State Patrol said. “When we share information, coordinate operations, and support one another, we make real progress in reducing harm and delivering justice. Working together is not optional. It is essential in today’s complex law enforcement environment.”
Pierce County Sheriff Swank said the office had recently hired eight deputies — six entry-level and two lateral — and thanked the council for bonuses that he said helped recruitment. “Yesterday, we hired 8 new deputies… 6 entry levels and 2 lateral deputies,” he said. He also said the corrections side did not receive the same bonus and asked the council to ensure correction staff are included in future support.
Executive Ryan Mello said the county’s newly adopted biennial budget provides additional resources for the sheriff’s office. “Under the newly adopted, biennial budget for the next 2 years, the county has committed additional resources to support the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, including increased overall funding, over $26,000,000 additional funding over the last biennium, sustained hiring bonuses,” he said, noting the budget also included enhanced training and wellness programs and operational support for specialized units.
The proclamation cites concrete hiring incentives the county has used: $25,000 lateral-hire bonuses and $10,000 for entry-level hires, continued under the adopted budget as described by the council’s reading of the proclamation.
Council members thanked law enforcement for mutual-aid responses during recent floods and for work following several officer-involved collisions. Chair Hitchin said the county is pursuing wellness programs so officers can access mental-health support after traumatic incidents.
The council and executive invited the community to participate in expressing appreciation to law enforcement on Jan. 9; the meeting paused afterward for photos with attendees in uniform.
