King County Council appoints ex-Kent Police Chief Strachan as Sheriff

The Metropolitan King County Council Monday appointed former Kent Police Chief Steve Strachan to succeed Sue Rahr as King County Sheriff.

Strachan, who was Rahr’s Chief Deputy since January 2011, became interim Sheriff when Rahr left the Sheriff’s office on March 31 to become director of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission in Burien. Rahr had appointed Strachan to the position.

Under the King County Charter, the Council is responsible for appointing a new Sheriff until the vacancy has been filled at the next general election in November.

“With over 25 years of law enforcement and public service experience, Chief Deputy Strachan is well-equipped to lead the men and women of our Sheriff’s Office while meeting the needs our communities, particularly confronting the issue of youth and gang violence,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson, prime sponsor of the motion, who represents District 5 that covers part of Kent.

Strachan, 47, became Chief Deputy of the King County Sheriff’s Office in 2011 after serving nearly five years as Kent’s Police Chief. He previously was Chief of Police in Lakeville, Minn., where he had been an administrative sergeant, detective, school resources officer, SWAT team leader, DARE officer and patrol officer. He also worked as a Jail Deputy for the Sheriff’s Office in Carver County, Minn.

“I am pleased to hear our newly appointed Sheriff Steve Strachan prioritize the four principles of an effective, respectful, accountable and transparent Sheriff’s Office,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “With those principles and with his commitment to support meaningful independent oversight through the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight, Sheriff Strachan will be starting off on the right foot with the people of King County.”

Strachan must file by mid-May to run for Sheriff to complete Rahr's four-year term that expires the end of 2013. Strachan plans to run for the position.

Contact Kent Reporter Courts, government reporter Steve Hunter at shunter@kentreporter.com or 253-872-6600, ext. 5052.

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