DONNELL ‘TANK’ TANKSLEY for Whatcom County Sheriff

Donnell ‘Tank’ Tanksley for Whatcom County Sheriff

Donnell ‘Tank’ Tanksley

I’m Donnell ‘Tank’ Tanksley and I’m asking for your vote as Whatcom County’s next Sheriff. As Sheriff, I’ll bring trusted leadership, a fresh perspective, and broad and relevant experience to the job. I currently serve as the Blaine Chief of Police and have over 30 years of Law Enforcement experience in rural and urban areas. My extensive training includes a Master’s in Management and the FBI Executive Leadership Institute and the Northwestern University School of Police & Command. I’m a retired military veteran and a proud lifetime member of the American Legion.

Throughout my career, I have focused on reducing and preventing crime through a proactive community-focused approach to break the cycle of incarceration. As a caring community, we must address homelessness and the need for mental health care. By expanding reentry support, and services for those incarcerated, we can make sure people have the resources they need. We should have a balance of accountability, treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

We have to do better at reducing dangerous drugs like fentanyl in our community. Too many people are dying and this community deserves a renewed focus on safety.

While in the military I was a first responder to Hurricane Katrina and my biggest lesson was the importance of emergency preparation. My team will have the support and preparation they need to be ready to help when the next emergency hits. I’d be honored to have your support and I hope to serve you as your next sheriff.