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OLYMPIA, May 19, 2021 — With a dozen police reform measures now signed into law, the Washington Fraternal Order of Police (WAFOP) today reaffirmed their disappointment in several aspects of these bills but remains committed to collaboratively implementing the new policies and restoring trust in the profession of law enforcement. WAFOP President Marco Monteblanco said the reforms approved this legislative session reflect the changing nature of policing, both in Washington state and a...

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 Bent...

April 29, 2021- Although his title was misquoted, Washington State FOP president Marco Monteblanco was featured on Fox & Friends national news last week regarding the staffing crisis currently faced by Seattle PD. This in turn leads to a call for service crisis for Seattle residents, and it's unacceptable and frankly not fair to anyone. Monteblanco indicated that the majority of officers are not fighting police reform, and in fact they welcome it as times evolve. He said, “...

KENNEWICK, April 27, 2021 — The Washington Fraternal Order of Police (WAFOP) released the following statement regarding legislation enacted to address changes in Washington drug statutes in response to the State Supreme Court ruling in State v. Blake: “The most important element of this legislation is that it provides time and a structure for all stakeholders to come together and work collaboratively to develop an appropriate long-term fix for the state’s laws regarding drug posses...

KENNEWICK, April 23, 2021 — A Benton County signature-gathering effort has successfully collected the required number of signatures to place a petition to recall Benton County Sheriff Jerry Hatcher on the ballot, marking another important next step in the recall process. Marco Monteblanco, president of the Washington Fraternal Order of Police, said, “Trust is one of the most integral components of our work as peace officers. Regrettably, Sheriff Hatcher’s actions have raised...

"We need to go out there and do things to make sure ALL citizens, including our law enforcement professionals, are safe." Watch the full video by clicking HERE.

KENNEWICK, April 8, 2021 — The Washington Fraternal Order of Police president Marco Monteblanco issued the following statement regarding a new criminal investigation into witness tampering by Benton County Sheriff Jerry Hatcher. “The Washington State Fraternal Order of Police applauds the Washington State Patrol for renewing its criminal investigation into the actions of Benton County Sheriff Jerry Hatcher. The people of Benton County and the Benton County Sheriff’s Guild all benefit fr...