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:
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.