WCSO undersheriff Chadwick announces candidacy for sheriff

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Whatcom County Undersheriff Doug Chadwick has joined Blaine police chief Donnell Tanksley in the race for Whatcom County sheriff in the November election.

Chadwick declared his candidacy for sheriff following Whatcom County sheriff Bill Elfo’s retirement announcement March 20. In his announcement, Elfo endorsed Chadwick to fill his shoes.

Chadwick said he started thinking about running for sheriff as he rose through the ranks in the sheriff’s office.

“At whichever point sheriff Elfo decided that he was planning to retire that I would certainly think about throwing my name in the hat to run to be the next sheriff,” he said.

Chadwick is a Whatcom County native who graduated from Mount Baker High School. He received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Western Washington University. He started working for the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) in 1995 and has held every rank within the organization as well as numerous specialty positions, according to his campaign website. He was appointed undersheriff in 2019.

Chadwick said he’s gained extensive experience and knowledge about Whatcom County over his 28 years with WCSO. As a lifelong resident, he said he cares and is deeply invested in the health and safety of the community.

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office oversees more than 200 employees and has a budget of over $41 million.

In the budget cycle for 2023-24, WCSO’s budget grew by 13 percent for a total of $41 million in 2023. The department added 10 deputy positions and expanded its emergency management division following the flooding events of 2020 and 2021. Chadwick said that is one of his biggest accomplishments as undersheriff – helping shepherd the advances in WCSO’s emergency management.

“I think that is something that will be beneficial for years to come,” he said.

Chadwick said on his website that the sheriff position requires a person with advanced skills in leadership, budgeting, union negotiations, ethics and a clear understanding of the full scope of the organization they will lead. With nearly three decades of preparation and thorough understanding of all department responsibilities, he said, if elected, he would aim to reduce crime and increase public safety. 

“There is certainly a sense throughout our community that things are not as safe as they used to be,” he said. “We want to make sure that we are able to provide the high level of services that we have over the years, and address any of those crime-related issues.”

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) position is up for election in November.

For more information on Chadwick’s campaign, visit votedougchadwick.com.

This article was updated April 5, 2023, to correct WCSO's budget amount. We regret the error.

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