Sheriff candidate Tracy Murphy fired after three decades with Centralia police
Tracy Murphy, a current candidate for Lewis County sheriff and a 35-year veteran of the Centralia Police Department, has been fired.
Murphy announced his termination in a news release to The Chronicle on Thursday morning.
His removal from the department on Wednesday is linked to an investigation into an anonymous complaint filed with Washington state Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC), the agency that provides basic law enforcement training, certifies officers, and investigates potential misconduct leading to possible decertification.
The anonymous complaint form, received by the CJTC on Jan. 31, alleged that Murphy made "repeated statements" claiming Lewis County Sheriff Rob Snaza "acquires and protects cocaine dealers," who then distribute cocaine to Lewis County Commissioner Sean Swope, state Rep. Peter Abbarno and Chronicle Publisher Chad Taylor.
All the men denied the allegations when reached by The Chronicle in February, with Murphy calling the claims "politically motivated."
The complainant, citing a "reasonable fear of retaliation" as justification for anonymity, explained the basis for the complaint as follows: Either Murphy is "knowingly spreading false information for political purposes," or else the allegations "have some basis in fact," and Murphy "is not reporting them through appropriate legal or professional channels and may instead be using this information to influence or gain leverage in an upcoming election."
Murphy addressed the fallout of the investigation in the news release issued to The Chronicle.
"The original CJTC complaint was determined to be unfounded, which is consistent with what I have maintained from the beginning," Murphy wrote in the release. "During the course of the investigation, additional allegations were raised regarding my responses, including issues related to the competing obligations of my role as a Centralia Police Department Sergeant and a DEA Task Force Officer and Group Supervisor. The initial interview lacked clarity regarding terminology and scope. In a subsequent interview, I requested clarification to ensure a shared understanding, which addressed those issues. I categorically deny that I provided false or misleading information or omitted material facts. My statement speaks for itself."
Murphy wrote he intends to challenge the department's decision to fire him.
"Because I have significant concerns regarding the fairness and impartiality of this investigation, I will be pursuing the appropriate avenues to challenge it," he wrote. "I was previously ordered not to discuss the matter, and out of respect for that process, I will continue to proceed carefully. At the same time, I believe transparency and impartiality are critical to maintaining public trust. When overlapping relationships exist in connection to an investigation, it can raise reasonable questions about the appearance of fairness. This is not about individuals; it is about making sure the process is beyond question. The people of this community deserve confidence that decisions are made fairly and without influence."
Murphy said he will release documents associated with the investigation as he receives them on his sheriff campaign Facebook page.
He intends to continue his campaign for sheriff.
"This moment does not define my career or my commitment to public service," he said. "It does not change my belief in the importance of strong, principled leadership in law enforcement. I remain focused on the future, on the people of Lewis County, and on earning your vote as your next Sheriff."
Murphy is one of four candidates actively campaigning for sheriff following an unsuccessful race against incumbent Rob Snaza in 2022. Snaza is not running for reelection. In addition to Murphy, the active candidates include Matt McKnight of the Chehalis Police Department, Danny Riordan of the Lewis County Sheriff's Office and retired sheriff's office deputy and sergeant Kenneth Cheeseman.
The Chronicle conducted an interview with Murphy on Thursday morning. This article will be updated.
Here's Murphy's full news release:
Tracy Murphy Responds to Termination: "God Is Bigger Than This"
After 35 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Centralia and throughout Lewis County, the City of Centralia has terminated my employment. I continue to run my race for Sheriff with perseverance.
God is bigger than this. I don't know His plan or why this is happening, but I trust that He does.
I wish to thank the citizens for their unwavering support and for allowing me to serve all these years. It has been a privilege. I have enjoyed my career as much today as I did on the first day I started, and for that, I am truly grateful.
Not many have the opportunity to grow up in the community they serve, attend school and college locally, and dedicate their entire career to protecting the people they know and care about. From the time I began as a cadet at just 16 years old through today, it has been a calling and a privilege.
The original CJTC complaint was determined to be unfounded, which is consistent with what I have maintained from the beginning. During the course of the investigation, additional allegations were raised regarding my responses, including issues related to the competing obligations of my role as a Centralia Police Department Sergeant and a DEA Task Force Officer and Group Supervisor. The initial interview lacked clarity regarding terminology and scope. In a subsequent interview, I requested clarification to ensure a shared understanding, which addressed those issues. I categorically deny that I provided false or misleading information or omitted material facts. My statement speaks for itself.
Because I have significant concerns regarding the fairness and impartiality of this investigation, I will be pursuing the appropriate avenues to challenge it. I was previously ordered not to discuss the matter, and out of respect for that process, I will continue to proceed carefully.
At the same time, I believe transparency and impartiality are critical to maintaining public trust. When overlapping relationships exist in connection to an investigation, it can raise reasonable questions about the appearance of fairness. This is not about individuals; it is about making sure the process is beyond question. The people of this community deserve confidence that decisions are made fairly and without influence.
To those who are considering a career in law enforcement, don't let politics stand in the way of your calling. I encourage you to stay engaged, pay attention to this process, and never lose sight of why this profession matters. I look forward to continuing those conversations in the future.
As promised, I will release the documents associated with this investigation as I receive them. Stay tuned to my Facebook page for updates as this continues to unfold.
This moment does not define my career or my commitment to public service. It does not change my belief in the importance of strong, principled leadership in law enforcement. I remain focused on the future, on the people of Lewis County, and on earning your vote as your next Sheriff.
'Before Honor is Humility'
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This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 11:23 AM.