Thurston County has a new contender in the race for sheriff. Kevin Burton-Crow, a decorated Army veteran and current special victims detective, has officially launched his campaign to become Thurston County Sheriff in the upcoming November 2026 election.
Meet Kevin Burton-Crow: From Military Service to Community Policing
Burton-Crow brings a unique blend of military discipline and local law enforcement experience. After serving 20 years in the U.S. Army—including a tour in Afghanistan—he returned home to Thurston County, where he continued his public service as a volunteer reserve deputy. Over time, he moved into a full-time detective role, currently serving in the special victims unit of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office.
He has received several awards, including two Meritorious Service Medals from the Army, and was named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the American Legion in 2023. His educational background includes two master’s degrees: a Master of Public Administration from The Evergreen State College and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Troy University.
Why He’s Running for Sheriff
In a statement announcing his candidacy on January 20, Burton-Crow said he’s running to create a modern, transparent, and accountable sheriff’s office. Although the sheriff’s office is officially a non-partisan position, he openly shared that he’s running as a Democrat, adding that “the sheriff’s job should rise above partisan grandstanding.”
“I have dedicated my life to service—first to my country, and now to my community,” he said. “We should do more than just react to incidents. By working together with the public, we can build trust and keep everyone safe.”
His Four Key Campaign Priorities
Burton-Crow’s platform is based on four core pillars:
- Professional Policing & Standards: Bringing in nationally recognised best practices and raising the professional bar for deputies.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Ensuring taxpayer money is spent wisely, with public input on budgeting decisions.
- Better Training, Safer Outcomes: Offering advanced training in de-escalation, communication, and decision-making to improve officer performance.
- Community Engagement & Transparency: Launching Citizen Academies and Community Advisory Groups to involve residents directly in shaping law enforcement goals.
A Strong Local Presence
Living in Thurston County since 2011, Burton-Crow has deep community roots. In addition to his law enforcement role, he also serves as the president of the Thurston County Deputy Sheriff’s Association. He’s an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion, further reflecting his long-standing commitment to service.
Sheriff Derek Sanders Responds
Current Sheriff Derek Sanders, who was elected in 2022, has not yet announced whether he plans to seek re-election. When asked about Burton-Crow’s candidacy, Sanders offered congratulations but declined to share his own campaign plans. His only comment: “The stars are heavier than they look.”
