New Chief Enthusiastically Takes the Reins at Lewis County Jail

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In his first few weeks as chief deputy of the Lewis County Jail, Chris Sweet said he has been impressed by the jail itself, and the pride and morale of its employees in its daily operation.

“I was told this was a well-run facility … It’s pretty evident this has been a great-running operation for some time,” said Sweet, who started as the jail’s new chief on Oct. 17.

While Sweet reached 25 years as a trooper with the Washington State Patrol this year — and was eligible for retirement from the state agency — he said he wasn’t thinking about a new career until Sheriff Rob Snaza gave him a call. 

“I didn’t put my name in for this job,” Sweet said. “Sheriff Snaza, who has known me my entire career, actually called me and asked if I would be interested … I was very honored the sheriff would consider me.”

Snaza said the Sheriff’s Office was looking for a person with strong leadership skills who would fit in well at the jail and in Lewis County. Snaza’s undersheriff, Wes Rethwill, is also a former state trooper.

“We were looking for an individual who would fit in with our direction, the way we feel about our community and being involved in our communities,” Snaza told The Chronicle. “We’re very fortunate to have him come on board with us.”

Former Jail Chief Kevin Hanson left Lewis County after working at the jail for 25 years in August to take over as chief of the Mason County Jail. 

Snaza said Hanson’s institutional knowledge from his many years in the county left big shoes to fill. 

“That was a huge hit for us,” he said. “He did a really good job. When he left things were running really well.” 

Snaza said he really needed someone who could pick up where Hanson left off.

Sweet and his family took time to consider the decision before ultimately accepting the sheriff’s invitation and taking over as chief of the Lewis County Jail. 

“It’s a great opportunity,” he said. 

Coming back to work in Lewis County brings Sweet’s career full circle. He started his career with the State Patrol in 1992 in Morton and worked in East Lewis County until 1995. 

He later transferred to Kelso and was most recently a narcotic section commander in charge of undercover operations.

Sweet plans to spend some time learning the ins and outs of his new job, and said he doesn’t plan on making many changes. 

“I seek the input of my leadership team,” he said. 

Sweet said he does plan on bringing the jail back to full staff. Currently, the facility is short five corrections officers.

He also said he’s been impressed by the facility itself and its atmosphere, which is not at all like the stereotypical image of a dungeon-like jail, he said. 

“We’ve taken great pride over the years to keep this place clean,” said jail Capt. Chris Tawes while giving The Chronicle a tour Thursday. “Somebody’s always out pushing a broom.” 

Sweet also spoke highly of programs such as drug court, the county’s Mental Health Alternative and partnerships with Cascade Mental Health Care to put four full-time mental health counselors in the jail, including a transition services coordinator who helps soon-to-be released inmates find housing and apply for health insurance. 

“It’s amazing the program they have,” he said of the jail’s mental health services. “They’re trying to help these people that need help.”