Police Captain Keith Swank is the SWAT team commander who directed the clearance and securing of the CHOP/CHAZ riot zone in Seattle. Swank was also recognized by Seattle PD for convincing the Seattle Jewish Federation mass shooter to peacefully surrender without any further injury to hostages. Captain Swank trained officers around the country for the U.S. Department of Justice as an expert in de-e
scalation and crisis intervention. Over his career as an officer, Capt. Swank continually answered the call of those in need, sometimes on the worst day of their lives. He dedicated his life to protecting the public and doing so as fairly as possible. Under pressure, Capt. Swank proved to be an effective leader that thinks outside-the-box in life and death situations, finding split-second solutions to challenges and facing down dangerous criminals most of us will thankfully never have encounter. Swank’s extensive experience as a patrol officer in Seattle taught him how to communicate with diverse communities, and, how to make life-or-death decisions quickly and manage efficiently. Keith grew up on a small rural farm where he learned a strong work ethic. At 18 he felt a strong calling to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. In the Army he graduated from Ranger School, Airborne School, High Altitude Low Opening (HALO), and Infantry Training. After being honorably discharged from the Army at Fort Lewis, Keith enrolled at the University of Washington where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. After graduating from the police academy (CJTC) Keith spent 15 years as a patrol officer in Seattle and was promoted to sergeant. He oversaw 911 emergency response for four years where his duties expanded to serving as second in command of more than 100 people. After years of supervising the 911 response center Keith longed to return to patrol and respond to emergencies. While actively patrolling and keeping our streets safe Keith was promoted to Lieutenant and spent two tours as a Watch Commander. Keith had fifty police officers working with him responding to emergencies. In between his two stints as a Watch Commander, he was second in command of the training unit. In 2017 he was promoted to Captain and worked as the Night Duty Commander, the highest-ranking officer in the city at night. Keith also served as the Commander of the Metro Special Response Section (SWAT Team, Harbor Patrol, Canine Unit, and Arson Bomb Squad). There’s only one candidate for Pierce County Sheriff with the education and needed real-world experience to lead and improve all aspects of law enforcement in the state’s second largest county. The choice is clear. Keith Swank as your Pierce County Sheriff means safer streets.
