Ryan Spurling

Sheriff Ryan Spurling

Sheriff Ryan Spurling has served as a peace officer for over 37 years. Elected as Sheriff of Mason County WA in 2023, he has focused on leadership development, enhancing public trust, modernizing policing strategies, and strengthening collaboration across local, state, and federal agencies.

Prior to his election, Sheriff Spurling served as Chief Criminal Deputy at the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, where he led Detectives, SWAT, K-9, Marine Patrol, Public Information, and departmental training. He also served as an interim Jail Chief/Superintendent.

His foundational years were with the Washington State Patrol, where he retired after 25 years, including more than 14 years as an Academy Instructor. His expertise in use-of-force, officer survival, and leadership development earned him instructor certifications with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC).

A veteran of both the U.S. Marine Corps and Army Reserves, Sheriff Spurling retired as a First Sergeant (E-8) after over 22 years of military service, including serving as a Drill Sergeant and activation for Operation Iraqi Freedom where he served as an Acting Battalion Command Sergeant Major (ACSM).  His leadership extends beyond the field—he has authored training curricula, testified as a use-of-force expert, and serves on several nonprofit and advisory boards, including those focused on domestic violence prevention, chaplaincy, and law enforcement history. 

Sheriff Spurling holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management/Criminal Justice. He has multiple certifications in physical fitness as a personal trainer, corrective exercise specialist, and martial artist. He is the driving force behind the GOLD Leadership Development program, a West Point-inspired initiative shaping the next generation of law enforcement leaders in Washington State. 

Ryan serves on the Executive Board of the Washington State Sheriffs Association and is active in the Western States Sheriffs Association.

Course Taught: Purpose Driven Leadership