Thursday, October 1, 2026
Thurston’s Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) authorized on Wednesday, August 14 for Central Services to purchase 18 vehicles and 18 portable radios to be used by new Sheriff deputies hired following passage of the Public Safety Sales Tax by voters in 2023.
The current supply chain and market conditions allow about 12 months before the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office receives patrol vehicles once ordered.
The resolution stated that deputies cannot fulfill duties without assigned vehicles and radios.
Assistant County Manager Joshua Cummings explained the resolution's time sensitivity, which needs to be aligned with the car manufacturer’s order window.
“The goal here is to serve the Sheriff’s Office. Ford Motor Company has a window for ordering that’s open and closes when they fulfill whatever orders they’re going to receive for the coming year, and we do not have access and preview to know when is that going to be,” said Cummings.
The order for 18 vehicles and radios was already authorized in the 2025 budget, and on the Equipment Rental and Revolving (ER&R) Fund 2025 Equipment List.
“Having lived through this, over the past 20 years that I was the elected sheriff, it's a nightmare when you can't get equipment when you need equipment, and it just really disrupts the whole operation,” District 2 Commissioner Gary Edwards said.
“I appreciate you're looking out to get them now," Edwards continued, "and instead of having everybody share cars, double up all those things that cause inconveniences in law enforcement.”
3 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
KarenMcIrish
Good move.
Friday, August 16, 2024 Report this
Claire
About time! Now, hire more deputies.
Saturday, August 17, 2024 Report this
Boatyarddog
As a Supporter, voter, & constituant of Sheriff Sanders, I believe he has been showing more and more real tangiable results since he has been in Office. Thank you Sheriff Sanders and All TCSO deputies. Lets keep hiring More Deputies but REALLY check them out first. We do not want Rogue Deputies ruining peoples lives.
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 Report this