On April 15, 2025, Mayor Debbie Sullivan announced that Jay Mason would be the next Chief of Police for the Tumwater Police Department (TPD), following the retirement of Jon Weiks. “Jay Mason values people and fosters community in most everything he does,” said Mayor Sullivan. “He has a deep commitment to Tumwater and will build on Tumwater’s steadfast dedication to community safety.” Mason has been with the Tumwater Police since 1993. Get to know your new Chief of Police.
TT: Did you always want a career in law enforcement?
JM: My father was a police officer with the San Francisco Police Department in the 1960s and into the 1970s. Since I was 6 years old, I wanted to become a police officer.
TT: What drew you to it as a career?
JM: Besides my father, I was drawn toward a career in law enforcement for two primary reasons. The first was service to others. There is something unique in how we deliver our services to our community. Anyone, regardless of standing, can dial 911 and we will respond. I have always been drawn towards that concept of service for all and this profession provides that opportunity on a daily basis. Additionally, I love that no two days are the same. There are few professions as wonderfully complex as law enforcement, and I have always appreciated the challenges that each day brings. There are so many disciplines represented in what we do, the understanding and application of criminal and civil law, emotional intelligence, social services, complex problem solving, physics, chemistry, biology, the list goes on and on.
TT: Have you worked for any other police departments or was 1993 when you started your career?
JM: I was originally hired by Tumwater PD in 1993. While with TPD, I worked as a patrol officer and was also assigned as a detective to a local task force. In the early 2000s, I transferred to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) for about a year and a half working as a patrol deputy before returning to Tumwater PD. Being a police officer and a deputy sheriff have many similarities and some marked differences. I believe that working for both Tumwater PD and for TCSO gives me a unique perspective into how law enforcement functions within our region.
TT: What do you love about Tumwater and serving it?
JM: There is so much to unpack with this question, it is hard to know where to start. First off, I love the community. I moved around a lot growing up, often starting a new school every year or two. I always envisioned finding the right community to live, work and raise a family in and being connected there for as long as they would have me. Tumwater is that place. I have a love for the people, for the history, for the environment, that I have found nowhere else.
I also have a deep love for the people and the culture of the Tumwater Police Department. I get to work beside some of the greatest people I have ever known within this profession. Their character and drive to serve our community is second to none. When I am able to take a moment to look around, I recognize how truly blessed I am to work for the Tumwater Police Department.
TT: Have you had a favorite position within the department? If so, which one and why?
JM: I tell our new hire officers that they are stepping into the best job we have in our agency, police officer/patrol officer. The police officer has the ability and the opportunity to positively impact—to change someone’s life—every day. Our community calls us on what may be the worst day of their lives, and we get to step in and help them navigate through it. There are few, if any, other professions that carry that opportunity and that responsibility.
The other position I really loved was being a first line supervisor. It was this perfect mix of leadership and direct service. I had the opportunity to guide, grow and mentor officers and detectives every day, as well as go into the community with them and directly serve alongside them. The first level supervisors are our most critical role on a day-to-day basis.
TT: Why did you want to be police chief?
JM: This opportunity is only possible because of the sacrifice and investment of those who came before me. I am here today only because of the men and women who worked beside me, saw something in me and built me up along the way. I stand on the shoulders of true giants. From my field training officers, partners, supervisors, peers, co-workers and mentors, I am a sum of their efforts. I wanted to take on this role to honor them and serve the women and men of the Tumwater Police Department and the Tumwater Community as a whole.
TT: What are you looking forward to most in your new role as chief?
JM: 2025 was already identified as a foundational year for TPD before Chief Weiks announced his retirement. We have numerous challenges and opportunities facing our organization. These include personnel selection and promotions, large project technology implementation, critical partnerships with local law enforcement jurisdictions, and facility growth/reorganization. What we do in 2025 will set the foundation for the Tumwater Police Department for the next decade, and I am excited to be part of this moment.
TT: Any advice for anyone thinking about a law enforcement career?
JM: Anyone who wants to take up a career in law enforcement should research what law enforcement truly is, and what policing is within the community they are looking at serving. So many people think they know about our profession because they watch a show or movie about police work. It is very little like the drama displayed in those shows. Also, policing in Tumwater is unique and different than policing in Olympia, Thurston County, Seattle, Kansas City or Tallahassee, Florida. There are many ways to really get an understanding about the profession if you are willing to pursue it.
The second thing I want someone to know, is that to get to the really amazing parts of this profession, you have to be willing to invest 5 to 10 years. This is not a plug-and-play profession. It requires considerable investment and development to get to the point at which one can operate effectively and understand how they can best utilize their unique talents and gifts. When I am able to see an officer or detective begin to hit that mark, it is one of the most rewarding experiences.
TT: What do you do in your downtime?
JM: My family is my everything. When I am away from work I am spending time with them.
Jay Mason will be Chief of Police effective July 1, 2025. We will you all the best in your new role!
“I have spoken in the past about my primary focus in stepping into this role, Our People and Our Mission,” he finished. “Policing is not about systems; policing is about Our People. The people who wear the uniform and the people who live, work, visit, and raise families in Tumwater. Systems support people, and people should always be the driver. Our Mission is to connect with and serve our community. The better connected we are, the better we can serve in meaningful and impactful ways.”
Read about other people in public service here.
