Edward Welter
Edward Welter, or Ed, is a longtime resident of Westport who has spent the majority of his adult life in public service for this very community. He served in the Coast Guard in Westport, he was a Fish and Wildlife Officer for the Grays Harbor area, and is currently a Detective for the Grays Harbor Sheriff’s office and the Mayor of Westport. In addition to his profession, Ed also volunteers as water safety for local events.
The safety, security, and well-being of Grays Harbor County is Ed’s passion. It is his goal to bring a fresh perspective to the Sheriff’s Office and bridge the gap between the local government and Gray Harbor’s citizens. With clear, concise messaging and attendance at public meetings, Ed will make known exactly what the Sheriff’s office is working on and how it impacts public safety. Ed will work with the Deputies and community to create a clear plan for the future.
My Story
I was born in Tacoma, WA to Chuck and Joan Welter. My family has lived in the Puget Sound and Washington coastal areas for several generations. A love of the ocean has been passed through those generations and remains strong in our genes today.
My uncle first introduced me to Westport when I was 16 years old, and he taught me how to surf. I fell in love with surfing, with the people who became family to me, and with this community. Since then, all my life choices have been designed to guarantee that Grays Harbor County is where I call home. I bought my first house in Westport in 2007. I was a young bachelor when I bought the house and it felt like a heavy purchase. Now I am married to my wonderful wife, Kristi, and we have a daughter and two dogs, and that house has become a warm home.
I have directly served the community of Grays Harbor for the past 16 years. I joined the Coast Guard in 2010 and requested to be stationed in Westport, which was granted in 2013. After my enlistment, I became a Washington Fish and Wildlife Officer, and I was assigned to Grays Harbor permanently. In 2018, I lateraled to the Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Office and served the South Beach area as the assigned Resident Deputy. I am now a Detective with the Sheriff’s Office and the Mayor of Westport. I have made every effort in my professional and personal life to ensure that I could be in Grays Harbor County, serving Grays Harbor County.
While I was the South Beach’s Resident Deputy, my other duties included Narcotics K9 Handler, Critical Response Unit member, Fire Investigator, and Defensive Tactics Instructor. While working for the Department of Fish and Wildlife, I was a member of the state Swiftwater Rescue Team and patrol boat operator. And, when I was stationed in Westport with the Coast Guard, I acted as Boat Crew and as a Boarding Team Member.
Prior to joining the Coast Guard, I completed my Bachelor of Economics at Pacific Lutheran University. While completing my degree I spent three months in Namibia where I researched the effects of land repatriation policies. I presented my research at the 2006 Western Economics Association International Conference. I then worked at several telecom companies. During this time, I gained experience in contract negotiations with both customers and vendors. I built business models for new products that included pricing and development costs. I was also responsible for managing a $15 million operating budget.
Today I am a still with the Sheriff’s office as a Detective, and I serve this community with pride. My profession allows me to remain close with the Coast Guard station, the City of Westport Police Department, the State Park Rangers, and the Fish and Wildlife Officers assigned to the area. It is my pleasure that my job allows me to maintain relationships with these agencies as well as the fishermen and citizens of Westport, the surrounding communities, and Grays Harbor County offices.
I want to be the Sheriff of Grays Harbor County because I believe that the citizens of Grays Harbor deserve a public facing Sheriff that will represent their values and remain engaged on a day to day basis.
