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Troy Brightbill for Cowlitz County Sheriff

I grew up in a law enforcement family, with my father serving as a game warden in nearby Wahkiakum County.  

I graduated from Central Washington University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology, but realized I needed a more exciting career.  I became interested in law enforcement after doing ride-alongs with my brother, who served as a law enforcement officer in Oregon.  I applied to be a Deputy Sheriff for Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office and was hired in 1999. Our family now has over 90 combined years of service in law enforcement.  During my 27 years with the Sheriff’s Office, I have served as Deputy Sheriff, Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant and Chief Criminal Deputy.  In February, 2026, I was promoted to Undersheriff.

 

Keri and I married in 2003, and we made our home in Kalama, raising our two sons.  I’ve spent many of my days off hiking and mountain biking trails through the Northwest.  As our sons got older, sports became our life.  If you’ve been to a Kalama football or basketball game, you’ve heard me cheering them on.  Away from work and sports, we enjoy working on our property.  I’ve been accused of working too much, but running a chainsaw and driving the tractor are two of my favorite things to do.  We also have two lab retrievers in our home who provide constant entertainment.

Troy's lawn sign

Resume

Age 51

Kalama

 

Education:  Bachelor of Science - Geology, Central Washington University

 

Elected Office - Precinct Committee Officer, Chinook Precinct, 2024-present

 

Career Experience:

 

  • Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office

  • Deputy Sheriff - 1999-2008

  • Patrol Sergeant 2008-2017

  • Detective Sergeant 2018-2019

  • Chief Criminal Deputy 2019-2026

  • Undersheriff 2026-present

 

Notable Work Experience:

 

  • Commander, Lower Columbia Major Crimes Team - Led a multi-agency Independent Investigation Team, investigating officer-involved use of deadly force incidents.

 

  • Assistant Commander, Lower Columbia SWAT Team - Worked with SWAT Team commanders to manage SWAT missions in addition to overseeing member selection, training and equipment needs.  Worked with member agencies to increase capabilities with new Night Vision Optics, a second armored vehicle, and additional training days.

 

  • Public Information Officer - representing Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office as the primary media contact, publishing press releases on major cases and public safety issues.

 

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  • ​Cowlitz 911 - Law Enforcement Technical Advisory Committee Chair - representing Law Enforcement Agencies in Cowlitz County to work with Cowlitz 911 staff to address radio and software issues to improve agencies’ capabilities.  Served on Cowlitz 911 Radio Improvement Project subcommittee.

 

  • Chief Criminal Deputy - managed up to 35 commissioned staff, including our Investigations unit and four Patrol teams.  Implemented new dash and body-worn camera system, digital evidence storage and managed technology programs and tools for deputies.  Incorporated new systems to streamline report writing and case management.  Managed CCSO’s evidence system. 

 

  • Detective Sergeant - oversaw major investigations, including homicides and crimes against children. 

 

  • Patrol Sergeant - led a successful, proactive team, with three members of the original team eventually promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

 

  • Cowlitz Meth Enforcement Team - served on a grant-funded two-deputy team to address the rampant spread of methamphetamine in Cowlitz County.  Made numerous arrests for manufacturing, delivery and possession of methamphetamine.  Investigated drug-related crimes, including an Identity Theft case with hundreds of victims.

 

  • Patrol Deputy - responded to emergency calls for service and investigated general crimes.

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