Dear Editor,

“Cease fire!” The firearms instructor roared. Nervously we looked down the firing line, wondering which cadet had messed up. A mistake was made and now collectively, we were all going to pay. “If you’re not competent with your weapon, you’ll get killed! Holster and assume the position!” We holstered our handguns and knelt down on the snow-covered gravel of the police academy range. On the instructor’s count, we did pushups until we were exhausted and he was satisfied. He ordered us up, took a softer tone and explained. “Guys, competency in these skills may not just to save your life, but the life of your partner or a citizen. It doesn’t matter what task it is in your job; you have to know your stuff.” It was a very simple lesson, we had to be competent. The pushups were so we never forgot.

During my career, I have seen sheriffs elected or appointed solely off a familiar name or “good ol’ boy” endorsement. Though well-meaning or a nice guy, it is no guarantee of competency. When likeability is the only qualification considered, the results are disastrous. Likeability alone will not help a Sheriff when the tough calls come.

I would like voters to consider something. Right now, the average age of a commissioned deputy at the Sheriff’s Office is between 24 and 35. Most deputies have 20-plus years to go in their career. This means voters will determine the direction and attitude of the Sheriff’s Office for decades to come. The deputies need someone to lead with extreme competency. Something a long-familiar name alone cannot ensure.

Undersheriff Mark Crider has put in the hard work to become a competent law enforcement professional. Mark has learned the hard lessons, in the toughest schools America has. Mark did the pushups, like all commissioned officers had to do for their badge and he didn’t fail. For this, Mark is a leader the deputies’ respect. He has further earned their respect by working with them shoulder to shoulder in the field, making decisions and working cases.

I have personally seen Mark lead from the front repeatedly. Mark has an open-door policy and the open mind to go along with it. All of this means leadership, it means competency and it is why I am endorsing Mark Crider for Walla Walla County Sheriff.

Kevan Maas

Deputy Sheriff

Walla Walla