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The Metropolitan King County Council today unanimously confirmed the appointment of Chief Susan Rahr as King County Sheriff. Rahr has been the acting Interim Sheriff since the resignation of David Reichert after his election to Congress.
“Chief Rahr has dedicated her life to public safety and especially the security of citizens living in King County,” said Council Chair Larry Phillips. “She has spent her entire law enforcement career with the King County Sheriff’s Office and she is an excellent choice as the new King County Sheriff. Her professionalism was evident during the ongoing, challenging budget times as she worked to help streamline the Sheriff’s Office and look for efficiencies. Chief Rahr worked her way up the ranks of the Sheriff’s Office, and along the way, established programs that have protected the families and youth of our community. Her commitment to the people of King County is extensive and I know she’ll do a tremendous job.”
“I have worked with Chief Rahr on a number of issues and I know she’s going to be great Sheriff,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, Chair of the Council’s Law, Justice and Human Services Committee. “She has always been focused on the safety of county residents, but has never forgotten that establishing strong ties with communities is the most effective form of law enforcement. Her work with the Juvenile Justice Forum and the Police Athletic and Activities League shows her commitment to keeping young people out of the criminal justice system.”
Sheriff Rahr has been with the Sheriff’s Office for 25 years. She has worked as an undercover narcotics officer and commander of the Internal Investigations, Special Investigations and Gang Units. Rahr served as Shoreline’s Chief of Police from 1998 until 2000 when she was named Chief of the Sheriff Department’s Field Operations Division. Rahr worked to develop the Sexual Assault Prevention program for elementary school children and parents, prevent underage drinking and driving through the sheriff’s office Party Patrol Program and implement training in the use of less-than lethal weapons for county deputies.
The King County Sheriff is a non-partisan position. State law and the King County Charter require that the Council fill any vacancy in elective offices. Sheriff Rahr must stand for election in November of this year.
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