CHUCK ATKINS (on left) defeated Shane Gardner (on right) in race for Clark County Sheriff. The two have worked together in the past in the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and Gardner said he will be honored to work with him once again.
In the end, Chuck Atkins believes that his 35 years in law enforcement meant something to the voters in Clark County.
Atkins, who received 56 percent of the vote in the Nov. 4 general election, posted a double-digit advantage over Shane Gardner in the race for Clark County sheriff.
Atkins, a 35-year law enforcement veteran who retired in 2012 with plans to run for sheriff, said the results of the election showed Clark County voters valued what he had accomplished in his career in the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
“I think it was my experience, my longevity,’’ said Atkins, when reached election night at a private celebration held in his honor at Royal Oaks Country Club in Vancouver. “The positions I have held with the agency over the years required true leadership. During some really critical times, anything going on in the county, I was in the middle of.
“That set the tone for me to be able to make tough decisions during critical times,’’ Atkins said. “People I worked with trusted me and the reason they trusted me is that every one of those units I held leadership positions in, I did so because I had worked my way up through the unit. I had been in their shoes and they knew I knew what I was doing.
“So, I’m pleased as you can imagine,’’ Atkins said. “I’m blessed. This is something we’ve worked hard for. Clearly the results show the team around me did a great job.’’
In his 35 years on the job, Atkins worked as a SWAT team member and K-9 handler as a patrol deputy, moved up to sergeant overseeing patrol deputies, the Gang Task Force and K-9 units, and was promoted to commander whose responsibilities included leading SWAT, the Bomb Unit, Gang Task Force, K-9 units and Homeland Security.
During his tenure, Atkins’ dedication to law enforcement was recognized by his superiors in the form of a nomination to the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. This invitation-only special training is internationally attended and a privilege only a small percentage of law enforcement leaders from the Northwest have experienced. Atkins also received a Presidential Commendation from Bill Clinton.
Atkins retired in 2012 with a plan to run for sheriff. He had a promise to keep to his wife of 41 years, Lorna, to travel extensively throughout the United States. He also knew that his 24/7 position as assistant chief was not conducive to launching a successful bid for sheriff.
Gardner was gracious in defeat, first on the night of the election.
“I’m in a room full of amazing people who worked their tails off,’’ said the ever-positive Gardner, who was proud of his effort in the race. “If I could go back and change any part of my message, I wouldn’t change a thing. I would do everything the same.’’
Gardner refused to declare a political party in the race, electing to run a non-partisan campaign. Atkins ran as a Republican.
“I guess it’s the nature of the county we live in,’’ Gardner said. “Maybe the county isn’t ready for a non-partisan running in a partisan race. When people are used to seeing party affiliation and you have a party affiliation, I think that draws people to you.’’
The 44-year-old Gardner is a 20-year law enforcement veteran who currently serves as community outreach sergeant for the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. He said he looked forward to continuing his career in the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
“I have the honor of going back to work tomorrow wearing this uniform, regardless of what the results said tonight,’’ he said on election night. “I get to serve this community every single day at the Sheriff’s Office. Come January, it doesn’t look like I will be serving the community as the elected sheriff, but as always, I will do everything I can do to serve.’’
On Thursday, Gardner posted a picture of himself with Atkins.
“For the first time in 24 years, the Clark County Community will have a new sheriff,’’ he wrote. “It’s time for us to congratulate Sheriff Elect Atkins and unify behind him as we start this next successful chapter at the Sheriff’s Office. I will be honored to work with him once again.’’
