KENNEWICK May 6, 2021 — The effort to recall Benton County Sheriff Jerry Hatcher cleared a key milestone Thursday with the certification of recall petition signatures, said Marco Monteblanco, president of the Washington Fraternal Order of Police.

“Today’s certification of signatures means voters will have the opportunity to decide whether Sheriff Jerry Hatcher should continue to serve in his capacity as sheriff. This is another important step toward rebuilding public trust in Benton County’s top elected law enforcement official,” said Monteblanco.

“The recall campaign effort, initiated by Sgt. Jason Erickson and the recall committee coordinated by Kathleen Wierschke, with strong support from the Benton County Deputy Sheriff’s Guild, has been conducted in a thorough and proper manner, as confirmed today by the Benton County Auditor. As a result of their efforts, voters in Benton County will have the opportunity to consider the facts and decide the important question of who they want to represent them as their sheriff.”

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