Tukwila Police Chief Eric Drever to retire after 32 years, city begins search for successor

Tukwila Police Chief Eric Drever will retire May 1 after 32 years of service to the city, and Deputy Chief Eric Lund will assume the role of interim police chief, Mayor Thomas McLeod announced on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026.

Mayor McLeod said Drever’s career has been marked by professionalism, integrity and a belief that public safety and community well being are achieved through teamwork across the entire organization.

“Chief Drever has exemplified professionalism, integrity, and a deep belief that public safety and community well being are achieved through teamwork across the entire organization, not by one department alone,” McLeod said. “Chief Drever’s leadership has left a lasting and positive impact on the City, and Tukwila is stronger because of his service.”

Lund will take over as interim chief as the city prepares for increased activity related to the FIFA World Cup this summer, which McLeod said makes continuity and stability in police leadership especially important. The mayor said Lund knows the community well and is well positioned to lead the department during the transition.

The city will begin a process to appoint a permanent police chief, with plans to seek feedback from police staff, city staff, councilmembers, the court and community members to help identify the qualities desired in the next chief. McLeod said the city’s goal is to fill the position by late summer or early fall.

“Please join me in thanking Chief Eric Drever for over 32 years of dedicated service to the City of Tukwila and our community,” McLeod said.

Here’s McLeod’s full statement:

“After 32 years of dedicated service to the City of Tukwila, Chief Drever has announced his retirement for May 1, 2026. Chief Drever has exemplified professionalism, integrity, and a deep belief that public safety and community well-being are achieved through teamwork across the entire organization—not by one department alone.

“Chief Drever’s leadership has left a lasting and positive impact on the City, and Tukwila is stronger because of his service. The City extends its sincere thanks to Chief Drever and wishes him the very best in his retirement.

“Following Chief Drever’s retirement, Deputy Chief Eric Lund will assume the role of Interim Chief of Police. With the FIFA World Cup taking place this summer, maintaining continuity and stability in police leadership is critical. Interim Chief Lund knows the community well and is well positioned to lead the department during this important time.

“The City will undertake a process to appoint a permanent Police Chief. As part of this process, feedback will be solicited from Police staff, City staff, Councilmembers, the Court, and the Tukwila community to help identify the traits and qualities desired in the next Chief of Police. The City’s goal is to have this position filled by late summer or early fall.

“Please join me in thanking Chief Eric Drever for over 32 years of dedicated service to the City of Tukwila and our community.”