Whatcom Sheriff Elfo makes election announcement
Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo, who has held the office for two decades, said he doesn’t plan to seek a sixth four-year term.
In a statement dated Monday, March 20, Elfo said it was an honor to serve the community but that he intends to retire after nearly 50 years in law enforcement.
“The current environment presents many challenges that, moving forward, will require extraordinary leadership,” Elfo said in his statement.
“My departure, however, will not result in any voids. Our highly developed and capable leadership team is fully prepared to meet all challenges and propel the Sheriff’s Office to new heights in excellence, integrity and teamwork,” he said.
Elfo told The Bellingham Herald in a telephone conversation on Monday that a highlight of his term as sheriff was how his staff developed evidence to arrest the killer of Mandy Stavik in 2019, after her murder went unsolved for 30 years.
“It was one of the best moments of my professional career when we got to inform her mother that we were making an arrest,” Elfo told The Herald at the time.
But he said the arrest and prosecution of her killer was a team effort.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many kind, caring and professional people,” Elfo said.
Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu praised Elfo’s five decades in public service.
“Bill Elfo is a man of strong principles and deep love for our community, which he demonstrated through his service and tireless advocacy for public safety and law enforcement professionals,” Sidhu told The Herald in an email.
“It’s been an honor to serve alongside him, and I wish him well as he prepares for retirement,” he said.
Elfo was the co-chair of the Public Trust Committee at the Washington State Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, said Steven D. Strachan, executive director.
Strachan said Elfo has had a distinguished career in an email to The Herald.
“The sheriff also served for many years as a commissioner for the Criminal Justice Training Commission, and has been a leader among his peers across the state. Law enforcement in Whatcom County and our state are better for him having served,” he said.
As sheriff, Elfo oversees a department of 212 total positions and a 2023 budget of $21.6 million.
That includes 95 law-enforcement officers and 78 corrections officers.
In addition, Elfo’s office encompasses the Division of Emergency Management, whose staff have worked through the coronavirus pandemic and two rounds of major flooding on the Nooksack River in the past three years.
Elfo, who will be 68 in April, is the former Blaine police chief and has a law degree and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice.
He was appointed Whatcom County sheriff in early 2003 after Dale Brandland left office for the state Senate and has been elected to five consecutive four-year terms.
Elfo ran unopposed in 2003, 2007 and 2015. He defeated Steve Harris 75% to 25% in 2011 and Joy Gilfilen 69% to 31% in 2019.
As sheriff, Elfo is responsible for operating the Whatcom County Jail, and he’s been a major advocate for a new jail to replace the one that’s 40 years old and is plagued by overcrowding that has resulted in booking limits.
Ballot measures to fund a new jail failed in 2015 and 2017 and a third funding question is likely to go before voters in November.
“I’m hoping that this time it moves forward,” Elfo told The Herald.
“As the day of retirement draws closer, it will be personally difficult. I plan on remaining active in the community through volunteer and charitable service. I will also continue to be an advocate for crime victims; the brave men and women of law enforcement; and all who support them,” Elfo said in his statement.
Two candidates have said they are seeking Elfo’s job and have registered with the state Public Disclosure Commission to raise campaign funds.
▪ Undersheriff Doug Chadwick has held that post since 2019 and received Elfo’s endorsement for sheriff.
▪ Blaine Police Chief Donnell “Tank” Tanksley registered as a candidate in November 2022.
