Sheriff Sit-Down 2/13/25: Community, Accountability & Law Enforcement Support

Another Sheriff Sit-Down with Mason County Sheriff Ryan Spurling, and we covered a lot!

We kicked things off talking about the Polar Plunge, which raised money for Mason County Emergency Services. It’s amazing to see the community step up year after year to support the dive team, fire halls, and chaplains who keep us safe. And yes—Sheriff Spurling took the plunge while I stayed dry! 😆 Next year’s is already set for Valentine’s Day 2026, so you’ve got plenty of time to prepare!

From there, we got into a big discussion on community policing and why public safety isn’t just about law enforcement—it’s about the partnership between officers and the people they serve. Sheriff Spurling talked about how Mason County has always supported law enforcement, even when other places were seeing anti-police sentiment. That support, he says, has been key to recruiting and retaining good officers, especially since Mason County can’t always compete with the salaries in larger counties.

We also talked about body cameras—why Sheriff Spurling has been a strong advocate for them, how they help with transparency and accountability, and how they’ve cut complaints against officers by 35% in some cases. The bottom line? Most officers are out there doing the right thing, and having that footage helps showcase their professionalism while also holding everyone accountable.

Another big topic—the sheriff’s budget. While many cities and counties across Washington are struggling with massive deficits, Mason County’s commissioners have done a solid job managing resources. That’s meant additional deputy positions and a push to get to one deputy per 1,000 residents, something the sheriff says is key for keeping the county safe.

Then we got into something that’s raising concerns across law enforcement—a proposed state law that would limit traffic stops for minor equipment violations (like a broken taillight). Sheriff Spurling explained why these stops are about more than just tickets—they help keep unsafe vehicles off the road, they provide positive officer interactions, and they often lead to arrests of criminals who might otherwise go unnoticed. His take? Stripping officers of these routine stops could hurt public safety.

We wrapped up with a discussion about law enforcement engagement in schools—from the return of the DARE program to the need for officers to be visible, especially for younger kids. Sheriff Spurling also touched on some of the misconceptions people have about local law enforcement’s role in federal immigration laws, and how Washington state laws already prevent officers from asking about immigration status.

All in all, a great, insightful conversation with Sheriff Spurling, and a big thanks to Our Community Credit Union for making these discussions possible! What do you think about the proposed traffic stop law? Send me your thoughts or questions to [email protected]

KMAS is the local radio station in Mason County Washington.