NEWS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
David Quinlan, Communications Manager | david.quinlan@cjtc.wa.gov
CHIEF FOR A DAY RETURNS TO WSCJTC TO CELEBRATE COURAGE, COMMUNITY, AND KIDS
Burien, WA – August 20th, 2025 – The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) is proud to host Chief for a Day on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, marking the return of this heartwarming tradition for the first time in seven years.
Held at WSCJTC’s Burien campus, Chief for a Day honors the strength and resilience of children diagnosed with chronic or life-threatening illnesses. It’s a day where kids can dream beyond their diagnosis—one filled with hope, inspiration, and the unwavering support of law enforcement partners from across Washington.
Sixteen law enforcement agencies will each sponsor one child, outfitting them with a custom uniform and officially swearing them in as honorary “Chief” or “Sheriff” for the day. The celebration includes a formal ceremony, police motorcade escort, and hands-on demonstrations from local agencies.
“This event reminds us all of the power of connection,” said WSCJTC Executive Director Monica Alexander. “It’s a chance to lift up these incredible kids and to bring our community together in a meaningful way.”
Event Schedule – Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025
- Motorcade Arrival: 10:45 a.m.
- Swearing-In Ceremony: 11 a.m.
- Lunch: Noon
- Outside Demonstrations: 1–3 p.m.
The motorcade will depart from the ShoWare Center in Kent at approximately 10:15 a.m. and travel through Kent, Des Moines, Normandy Park, and unincorporated King County, concluding at the WSCJTC campus in Burien.
Participating agencies include:
Bellingham PD, Black Diamond & Maple Valley PD, Centralia PD, Ferndale PD, Kirkland PD, Kitsap County SO, Mukilteo PD, Olympia PD, Pierce County SD, Puyallup PD, Redmond PD, Seattle PD, Snohomish County SO, Tacoma PD, Wapato PD, and the Washington State Patrol.
Funded through community donations and authorized under RCW 43.101, this event is open to the public. Families and children are encouraged to attend and cheer on our honorary Chiefs and Sheriffs.
For questions or media inquiries, please contact our event team at cjtccfad@cjtc.wa.gov or the Communications Manager, David Quinlan. Please visit our website for more information: Chief for a Day | Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.
ABOUT WSCJTC: Established in 1974, WSCJTC provides training to law enforcement, corrections officers, and other public safety professionals. Its mission is to establish certification and training standards so that criminal justice professionals in Washington state have the knowledge and skills to protect the communities they serve. For more information, visit the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.