Chief Drever Retires After 32 Years of Service
After 32 years of dedicated service to the City of Tukwila, Chief Eric Drever retires today with a legacy defined by leadership, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to community partnership.
Chief Drever began his law enforcement career as a Reserve Police Officer with the Mukilteo Police Department before joining the Tukwila Police Department in 1994 as a Patrol Officer. Early in his career, he demonstrated a passion for mentorship and youth engagement, serving as an Explorer Advisor and earning recognition as the 1998 Explorer Officer of the Year.
Throughout his career, he served in a wide range of assignments including Tukwila Anti-Crime Team (TACT) Bike Officer, TACT Detective, Patrol Sergeant, TACT Sergeant, MCU Sergeant, Patrol Commander, PSU Commander, and Investigations Commander. In addition, Chief Drever volunteered as a leader for the Tukwila Police Officers Guild and helped establish the first Commanders’ Union.
His dedication to service and excellence earned him numerous recognitions, including the 2002 COPCAB Community Oriented Policing Award, the 2008 Meritorious Service Award for his work on the Department Centennial—where he also created the Centennial Badge honoring the original Tukwila Marshal badge—and the 2010 Police Department Employee of the Year. In 2021, he was honored with the Delta White Center Masonic Lodge Outstanding Police Officer Award.
From 2012 to 2017, he demonstrated regional leadership by creating the Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force through the merger of three regional task forces. As the task force Commander, he successfully secured grant funding from WATPA to sustain the unit, which continues to serve the region today.
In 2016, he was asked by the Mayor to serve as Interim IT Director, further reflecting the trust placed in his leadership and versatility. That same year, he graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy. He later served as Justice Center Liaison Commander, responsible for planning the police department’s operational side of the Justice Center project.
As Deputy Chief in 2019, he provided administrative oversight of the Valley Independent Investigative Team (VIIT), bringing the team into compliance with new LETCSA (Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act) legislation. He rewrote policies, established community liaisons, and worked closely with the State Auditor’s Office to ensure legislative compliance. On October 1, 2020, he was appointed Interim Chief, and on April 1, 2021, following a nationwide search, he was selected as Tukwila’s Chief of Police.
As Chief, his leadership focused on transparency, accountability, officer wellness, and community partnership. His accomplishments include:
Establishing a comprehensive Community Engagement Plan
Hosting Chief’s Town Halls with the Community
Creating a Use of Force Review Board that includes community members, use of force experts, and administration
Involving community volunteers in the hiring process
Developing a 5-Year Strategic Plan with community input
Implementing a new Vision, Mission, and Core Values
Serving as Board Co-Chair of the Office of Independent Investigations since 2021
Restoring the Chaplain Program
Launching the Co-Responder Program in partnership with Sound Health
Evolving and creating the Department Wellness Program
Returning School Resource Officers to schools
Leading the department through COVID
Leading the department through the asylum seeker emergency in partnership with Riverton Park United Methodist Church
Leading the department through immigration enforcement concerns
Reorganizing operations to create the Special Emphasis Unit (SEU) to address quality-of-life public safety issues
Implementing new technologies including SPIDR Tech, Flock, and Patrol UAS
Restoring the Community Resource Center (CRC) partnership with the Mall in July 2022
Creating a Retail Emphasis Detective position
Achieving full staffing and strengthening retention efforts
Participating on the Criminal Justice Training Commission Certification Panel
Conducting the COPCAB Survey and implement SPIDR to enhance accountability and service
Beyond his professional career, Chief Drever has remained deeply committed to community service. He has served as Board President for the Pediatric Interim Care Center (PICC) since 2011, participated on the Bellevue Parks and Community Services Board, coached Little League, served as a Cub Scout Den Leader, and volunteered as a Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Students) mentor at the elementary school level.
Chief Drever retires having left the Tukwila Police Department stronger, more connected to its community, and well-positioned for the future. His career reflects not only professional excellence, but a steadfast belief that public safety is built on relationships, trust, and service. Thank you Chief Drever for your 32 years of service.