Endorsements
About Kristi Bridgman
• Retired from King County Sheriff’s Office (2024) after 27.5 years
• 8 years in drug investigations; K9 handler for Eastside Narcotics Task Force with K9 Kuva
• Transitioned to explosive detection in 2017 with K9 Luna
• State evaluator (narcotics & explosives), certifying official & K9 judge
• Evaluator for the International Police Canine Association; instructor at Idaho Police Canine Association conference
• Founder of My 2 Scents K9 & K9 Kuva Memorial Foundation
• Advocate for detection teams, handler–K9 partnerships & community safety
• Special Olympics supporter in Lewis County & across Washington
• Volunteers with K9 Clover for anti-drug education, career talks & school visits
Kristi's Endorsement Letter
I had the honor of having Matt McKnight swing by The Dog House today to do that conversating thing about why he should get my vote and whether he’d earned a prime patch of lawn for his sign. And yes, I made him work for it. If you know me, you’re not surprised.
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I’ve known Matt since 2022, when I first got pulled into the Lewis County Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics planning committee. I had just retired from a big agency up north and dropped myself into a brand new law enforcement community where nobody knew me, my work, or my reputation. Outsiders might think, “No kidding, you were a cop, of course you’d fit right in.” After 27+ years, let me tell you, that is not a given. Not even close. But Matt? He engaged with me like I’d been part of his circle since day one. No ego, no gatekeeping, no sizing me up to see where I fit in the hierarchy. Just genuine respect and a willingness to collaborate.
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And here’s what matters, back then and through every torch run, polar plunge, and planning session since—he wasn’t politicking. He wasn’t angling for a title. He was just Matt. A fellow officer with a heart of gold for supporting individuals with special needs in our community, and an ego so small it could hide behind a traffic cone.
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I’ve watched him work with people from all kinds of agencies, always with respect, always with cooperation, always focused on the mission instead of the spotlight. His leadership shows up in the way he empowers the people around him, not in how loudly he talks about himself.
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With his experience at Chehalis PD and the way he carries himself, I have zero doubt he could transition into the Sheriff’s role with the same steady, community‑minded approach he’s shown since the day I met him.
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So yes, he earned the sign spot. And the vote. But he earned it the old‑fashioned way, by showing up, doing the work, and being the same solid human on and off the clock.
About Ross McDowell
Ross McDowell spent nearly 30 years serving our community. Ross started his career as an officer for the St. Louis Police Department before coming to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Officer in 1993. Ross worked as a deputy, sergeant, D.A.R.E. officer, and in emergency Management. In 2014 Ross retired from Law Enforcement and transitioned to Mason County then later returned to Lewis County as the the Director of Emergency Management.
Dear Voters,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Matt McKnight for the position of Sheriff for Lewis County. Having served in law enforcement for over 30 years myself, I have worked closely with Matt McKnight for over 15 years during our time at the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office and his time at the Chehalis Police Department. I have witnessed firsthand his unwavering dedication to public safety, exceptional leadership, and commitment to serving the community with integrity.
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Matt McKnight is a natural leader who excels under pressure. Matt came up through the ranks to become the Deputy Chief of Chehalis PD. During our time working together, Matt was responsible for performing in-depth criminal investigations putting criminals in jail, implementing several community outreach programs for Chehalis PD, and managing budgets for the Chehalis PD. For example, when Chehalis PD was going through WASPC re-accreditation he played a major role with updating protocol changes and department policy. Matt was able to give the department and citizens in Chehalis a more professional and responsible police department.
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Beyond his technical and budgetary expertise, Matt McKnight possesses the character traits necessary to lead the Sheriff’s Department. He has integrity, is fair, honest, decisive and has always prioritized the safety and rights of citizens. His ability to de-escalate tense situations and build trust with diverse community members makes him the ideal candidate to lead the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.
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I have full confidence that Matt McKnight will bring the same level of professionalism and dedication to the office of Sheriff. I highly recommend him for this position.
Sincerely, G. Ross McDowell Deputy Director Lewis County DEM (Retired)
About Jason Ashley
Jason Ashley has served as a State Trooper,
Trooper Sergeant
and as the Special Investigations Detective Sergeant.
As a Lieutenant he served in the Office of Professional Standards,
as the Assistant HR Director and as a Lieutenant in the Investigations Division.
After being promoted to Captain he served as the HR Director and as the Captain overseeing the Investigative Division.
Retired Captain, Jason Ashley has dedicated his life to the citizens of Washington state, serving with the Washington State Patrol for over 25 years. He is a Lewis County native and began his career with the Patrol as a trooper assigned to east Lewis County where he and Matt first met.
He lives on the east side of Lewis county with his wife and twins.
It is my sincere pleasure to endorse Matt McKnight for Lewis County Sheriff. I have had the distinct honor of working alongside Matt since his earliest days as a Deputy Sheriff serving the east end of Lewis County, and throughout his career as he has grown into his current role as Deputy Chief of the Chehalis Police Department. Over the years, I have consistently known Matt to be a stable, committed, and a deeply principled leader who has devoted his life to public service and to the communities he serves.​
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​Matt is not only a law enforcement professional of the highest caliber, he is a devoted community member. He has raised his family in Lewis County, coached his children, served faithfully in his church, and given back to his city and county in countless ways. In every role he has held, Matt has demonstrated strong character, integrity, and a genuine commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult. Widely respected as a steady and trustworthy leader, Matt leads with humility and courage. He is a lifelong student of leadership who actively mentors, invests in, and develops the men and women of the profession, always pushing them toward excellence. His personal work ethic, integrity, and commitment to service are second to none. Matt is devoted to advocating and serving the families and co-workers of those lost in the line of duty. His calm demeanor and critical thinking in times of extreme stress and crisis ensures appropriate and proper responses to the most catastrophic incidents.
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Matt McKnight is uniquely qualified to serve as Lewis County Sheriff. He is the only candidate in this race with comprehensive experience as a line officer, first-line supervisor, manager, and police executive, experience that is essential to leading the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office effectively into the future.
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It is with the highest respect and confidence that I offer my endorsement of Matt McKnight for Lewis County Sheriff. He is the leader we need in this moment, and I wholeheartedly support his candidacy. Respectfully, Captain Jason L. Ashley (Ret.)