LEADERSHIP
CHIEF SHAWN LEDFORD
Chief of Police
With over 35 years of dedicated law enforcement experience, Chief Shawn Ledford began his career in 1989 with the King County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy at the Federal Way Precinct. Throughout his career, he has held various roles, including field training officer, master police officer, and negotiator on the Hostage Negotiations Team. In 1995, he transitioned to the role of detective in the Special Assault Unit and later in Major Crimes
Promoted to sergeant in 1999, Shawn served at the Maple Valley Precinct. In 2001, he was appointed as the police chief for the City of Newcastle, a position he held for five years. His career continued to advance as he was promoted to captain in 2006, taking on assignments in patrol, administration, contracting, and criminal investigations.
In 2012, Shawn was promoted to major and selected as the police chief for the City of Shoreline, where he served for nearly a decade. By 2021, he had risen to the rank of division chief with the Sheriff’s Office, overseeing the Patrol Operations Division and the Criminal Investigations Division. In 2024, Shawn retired from the Sheriff’s Office to become the chief of the Tulalip Police Department.
As a proud member of the Tulalip Tribes, Chief Ledford is thrilled to serve his community. He is committed to treating all residents, both tribal and non-tribal, with fairness, equity, and professionalism while ensuring accountability for offenders.
Chief Ledford holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and criminology from Western Washington University.
CHRIS GOBIN
Deputy Chief of Police
Deputy Chief Christopher Gobin brings 17 years of dedicated service to the Tulalip Police Department. His journey began with a negative encounter with a state game warden, which fueled his commitment to ensuring tribal members receive respectful and caring treatment. Honesty, fairness, and a deep connection to the Tulalip tribal community guide his service.
Christopher's hard work and dedication, coupled with his unique understanding of the tribe's requirements, led him to the role of Deputy Chief. His service in the Army and subsequent return to become a police officer for the tribe demonstrate his commitment.
Under Christopher's leadership, a strengthened drug task force is making a significant impact, removing dangerous substances from the streets. Each pill seized represents a life saved, a testament to the team's dedication and the positive impact on the community.
Christopher's belief in the power of community ties to foster commitment and create the next generation of leaders is inspiring. He envisions Tulalip as a shining model for other cities, where excellence defines police work and the future is filled with hope.
Angela Davis
Director-Support Services Bureau
Angela Davis, a citizen of the Tulalip Tribes, holds the first non-commissioned executive position in the history of the Tulalip Tribal Police Department. As the Director-Support Services Bureau under the authority of the Chief of Police, she oversees police administrative operations, including professional standards, technology, evidence, communications, and administrative and community support services. Angela's leadership style is structured, calm, and upbeat, influencing effective organizational change.
Before her current role, Angela had various roles in the human resource employment field. As the previous Executive Director of Central Employment, she hired over one thousand employees annually for a top county employer. Angela also served twelve years in the Air Force, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant and receiving several awards for her outstanding performance. She is a graduate of the Airman Leadership School and Non-Commissioned Officer Academy.
Angela obtained a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Government and Policy in 2022, finishing in the top ten percent of her class. She is a member of the Alpha Chi College Honor Society. She also holds a bachelor's degree in business administration with honors and human resources. She is pursuing her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Christian Ministry from Grand Canyon University.