My experience in law enforcement started, when I was hired by the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, beginning a law enforcement career that now spans nearly 20 years.

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During my time at the Sheriff’s Office, I was honored to be nominated for Deputy of the Year and received the DUI Enforcement Officer of the Year award. After being hired by the Chehalis Police Department, I continued to serve the community and was recognized as DUI Officer of the Year, Traffic Safety Officer of the Year, and received the Washington State Patrol Special Award.

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Throughout my career, I have held a wide range of roles that have strengthened my leadership, training, and administrative experience, including serving as a Training Committee Member Lead Defensive Tactics Instructor Field Training Officer and Coordinator Taser Instructor Traffic Safety Liaison Peer Support Team Member Public Information Officer Patrol Sergeant Deputy Chief.

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I have also been proud to represent my fellow officers as Vice President and President of the Police Officer Guild and to serve on the Honor Guard.

 

​I have earned the First Level Supervisor, Middle Management, Executive Level certifications through the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. These programs ensure that law enforcement leaders remain accountable, well-trained, and prepared to meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve.

 

I have been serving as the Deputy Chief of the Chehalis Police Department for about 5 years now. As Deputy Chief, I'm second in command over the police department as a whole. Almost everything our department does, passes my desk before approval by our chief.

 

I know first hand how to run a department, this is what I have been doing. I love working with the officer's within my own department as well as outside departments and all first responders and community members.

 

My goal is the safety of our community.

 

Thank you and I look forward to serving you as your next Lewis County Sheriff.

 

Matt McKnight