My Background
About me
I am a lifelong resident of Lewis County, born and raised in the community I proudly serve. I graduated from Centralia High School in 1992 and come from a family deeply rooted in public service. My father, Dana Murphy, is a retired Centralia Fire Chief whose dedication to our community helped shape my own commitment to service.
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I enjoy spending time outdoors camping and hiking, as well as golfing, traveling, reading, gunsmithing, shooting, and tackling home projects. My wife and I have been married for nearly 20 years, and together we raised our family in South Chehalis. Faith and family are central to our lives. We have attended Faith Baptist Church in Chehalis since 2006, and I grew up attending Mountain View Baptist Church with my parents.
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My law enforcement career began at the age of 16 as a volunteer police cadet with the Centralia Police Department. I was later hired as a Community Services Officer and became a fully commissioned police officer at just 21 years old. Over the past 35 years, I have dedicated my career to serving the citizens of Centralia and Lewis County.
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After more than three decades in law enforcement, I still love this profession as much as I did on my first day. I am committed to protecting our communities, providing professional law enforcement services, and upholding the values that make Lewis County a great place to live. I would be honored to serve as your next Sheriff.
Experience
I bring over 35 years of professional law enforcement experience, including five years of volunteer service and 30 years as a commissioned Washington State Peace Officer. Over the course of my career, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of criminal law (Revised Code of Washington), both criminal and employment case law, civil seizure procedures, as well as a clear understanding of both the U.S. and Washington State Constitutions—knowledge that guides sound decision-making and professional integrity in public service.
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My experience includes criminal and internal investigations, civil seizures, labor relations (serving as a union shop steward involved in collective bargaining, contract negotiations, and employee-employer relations), and grant writing. I designed, implemented, and managed a training program for the Centralia Police Department, which continues to strengthen professionalism and readiness among officers today.​
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With over 30 years of continued education through professional development and on-the-job experience, I have built a deep understanding of public service, accountability, and community safety. I graduated from Ecola Bible School in Oregon and attended Centralia College (1993–1995), where I began laying the foundation for my lifelong career in law enforcement and leadership.​
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I am also a graduate of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Law Enforcement Academy and hold Instructor and Trainer certifications across several law enforcement disciplines. Supervisory and leadership training further equipped me with the skills to lead effectively and make sound, informed decisions.
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For the past seven years, I have led the Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET), supervising and mentoring staff—including local, state, and federal employees—working within budgets, overseeing casework, and building partnerships with federal, state, and local task forces. My decades in professional law enforcement have also included extensive experience in conflict resolution, mentoring, and community relations with civic groups, nonprofits, and partner agencies.
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These experiences have shaped me into a proven, professional law enforcement leader—equipped with the knowledge, judgment, and dedication to serve this community with integrity and accountability.
Professional Achievements
American Red Cross Hero 2001, 2003, 2008
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ASIS International Special Service Award 2003
Certificate of Commendation 2011, 2015
Chief’s Award 2007, 2013, 2017, 2021
DUI Enforcement Award 2007
Employee of the Year 2003
Medal of Distinction 2014
Medal of Valor 2008
Meritorious Service Award 2008, 2019
Seatbelt/Child Restraint Enforcement Award 2007
Top 3 nominee for Best Of Lewis County Law Enforcement
Officer 2022, 2023, 2024
Traffic Safety Enforcement Award 2007
Voted Best of Lewis County Law Enforcement Officer 2025
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Community Involvement
I have always stood by the principle that community service is a vital part of professional law enforcement. As a member of the Centralia Police Officer’s Association, I have participated in numerous fundraising efforts supporting local programs such as Shop with a Cop/Night Out with Santa, student scholarships, and the Special Olympics.
During my time as a K9 handler with Bak, I was deeply involved in community events, civic groups, local schools, and service organizations—never turning down an opportunity to engage with the public and build positive relationships. I was honored to be selected along with my K9 partner Bak as the 2008 Fourth of July Grand Marshall for the Centralia Summerfest Parade.
While my current position offers fewer direct public interactions, I continue to share my experience by providing JNET presentations and training to local schools and groups interested in learning about our mission.
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Service has always been an important part of life, beginning with volunteer service as a cadet and reserve officer and continuing today through teen mentoring and involvement in the Faith Baptist Church youth program and church security. Commitment to serving others is a value we share as a family. I’m grateful to support my wife and daughters as they volunteer with several community service groups, often volunteering alongside them when needed.
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A law enforcement officer can have a profound impact on their community. The presence of an officer can inspire children and shape their view of what service and integrity look like. Throughout my 30-plus years in law enforcement, I have committed myself to setting an example of professionalism and respect—one that encourages younger generations to pursue a life of service. I know that my greatest contribution to this community has been leading by example and inspiring others to follow a path of honor, duty, and commitment to something greater than themselves.
Servant Leadership
Throughout my career, I’ve learned that the foundation of successful leadership are the people they lead. When employees are valued, trained, mentored, supported, and equipped with the tools and proper supervision they need, the service they provide to the public is stronger, better and more professional. Leadership means self reflection and taking responsibility for both the successes and the failures of the team.
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Coupled with my personality, I bring a strong set of values and principles to the Office of the Sheriff. Humility, honor, and a servant’s heart are essential to leadership and guide me every day. True leadership means placing others before self, leading by example, taking responsibility, and working together to accomplish the mission. Effective leadership is not about “me,” it’s about “we.” It requires openness to others’ input without compromising values, morals, or ethics, holding yourself accountable, and doing what’s right, on and off duty. Most importantly, it’s about valuing people.
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I have a proven track record of working for, with, and alongside multiple agencies and organizations to better serve our communities. I am fiscally responsible, always seeking low-cost or no-cost ways to operate effectively and efficiently. As your Sheriff, I will find ways to accomplish more with less, including re-establishing a strong volunteer program, which is a vital function that strengthens the bond between the community and those who serve it.
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​Transparency builds public trust, and public trust is essential for the success of any government office. I will work to improve processes and provide the level of professionalism that the citizens of Lewis County expect and deserve. My goal is simple: uphold the Constitution and enforce the law equally and justly to everyone while providing safety and security, delivering quality service, and ensuring every employee represents the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
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The role of Sheriff is a serious leadership position that sets expectations and standards for the entire county. I intend to lead with the utmost integrity and professionalism while engaging with the community at every opportunity. I will be a visible, approachable, and dedicated presence throughout the county, committed to serving all citizens.
Family Life
I have been happily married and raising a family right here in Lewis County for the past 20 years. I am blessed with a supportive wife who shares a background in law enforcement and fully understands the dedication required to serve successfully as Sheriff.
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My wife selflessly stepped away from her career to focus on raising our five children—three of whom I was blessed to welcome into my family when we married— while standing by my side and supporting my career in law enforcement. Our twin sons are proud veterans of the United States Air Force, our middle daughter works locally in Lewis County, and our youngest two are in college and final year of high school, respectively. You’ll often find my daughters volunteering on the campaign trail. You can find them under