EXPERIENCE

• 35 years of experience as a Law Enforcement Professional
  
  Jon VanGesen has held nearly every rank and supervised or managed most specialty units and divisions within a sheriff’s office.
  He has been a Deputy, Narcotics Detective, Sergeant, Internal Affairs Investigator, Lieutenant, Member of the Command Staff, Assistant Commander, Commander, Acting Chief, and Member of the Executive Staff. 
   
• Successful as a Leader and Administrator in numerous Supervisory and Administrative Positions
  
  Jon has vast experience in the administration of a sheriff’s office including: Budget Management, Personnel Management, Policy Review and Adoption, Operations of Patrol and Detectives, 911, Multi Jurisdictional SWAT Team, Multi Jurisdictional Major Crimes Investigative Team, Support Services, Drivers Licensing, Civil Services, Administration of Grants and Strategic Planning. 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

January 2021 to Present
Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, Sandpoint, Idaho.
Lieutenant, Detective, Patrol Deputy, Guild President
Idaho POST ADVANCED Certification

• As Lieutenant of Professional Standards oversees the operations of 911, Support Services, Drivers Licensing, Civil Services, Internal Affairs, and their respective budgets. 
• As Detective, investigated major crimes including homicides, robberies, batteries, grand thefts, drug trafficking, arson and cold cases.
• Conducted interviews, wrote Search Warrants, collected evidence and prepared cases for trial for the local prosecutor or United States Attorney’s Office.
• As guild president, worked with the county and the sheriff’s office regarding working conditions, wages and benefits, and supports programs in our community.
• While president, the guild brought back “Shop with a Cop” to North Idaho, providing children in need with an incredible Christmas experience.
• Connects with the community through social media, press releases, and community meetings.
  
   
• October 1991 – December 2020
  Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, Port Orchard, Washington
  Acting Chief, Commander, Assistant Commander, Lieutenant, Sergeant, Internal Affairs Investigator, Sergeant, Narcotics Detective, Deputy.
   
• May 2017 – December 2020 (retired)
  Acting Chief, Detective Division 
  Lieutenant, Detective Division
  Commander / Assistant Commander, Kitsap Critical Incident Response Team (KCIRT), Commander / Assistant Commander Kitsap Regional SWAT Team
   
  • Daily responsibilities included; supervision of one lieutenant, two sergeants, 16 detectives, five civilian support staff, and local, state and federal law enforcement investigators from five different agencies assigned to the regional drug task force.
  • Administrative Team accountable for an annual budget of five million dollars.
  • Commander of the Regional Drug Task Force (“WestNET”).
  • Assistant Commander/Commander for the regional Kitsap Critical Incident Response Team (KCIRT) leading multi-jurisdictional investigations of shootings, homicides, and officer involved shootings.
  • Served as Assistant Commander or Commander for regional SWAT operations.
  • Administered state and federal grants.
  • Coordinated the investigation of the mass murder of the Careaga family.
  • Established and coordinated the county wide law enforcement Narcan program, established policy and secured funding, saving 27 lives in the first three years.
  • Operations Chief in the Emergency Operations Center for Natural Disaster -  Port Orchard Tornado 2018.
     
• September 2015 – May 2017
  Lieutenant, Patrol Division
  Assistant Commander, SWAT
  WSCJTC Middle Management Certification
  
  
  • Supervised the gold team, half of the Patrol Division, 30 sergeants and deputies with the daily responsibility of 911 calls and proactive law enforcement.
  • Administrative Team accountable for an annual budget of 15 million dollars.
  • Led the several specialty units; K-9, Marine Services Unit, Tactical Trackers, and the Crisis Intervention Team.
  • Managed the sheriff’s office Fleet (130 vehicles, over five million dollars in assets).
  • Served as Assistant Commander or Commander for regional SWAT operations.
    
     
• March 2014 – September 2015
  Sergeant, Patrol Division
  • Supervised a shift of patrol deputies.
  • Led the Special Investigations Units (SIU) and the Pro Act Team, made up of detectives and deputies.
  • As area sergeant, coordinated response to community concerns.
  • Kitsap Regional SWAT team member and dedicated operator.
     
• December 2012 – March 2014
  Sergeant, Internal Affairs Investigator (OPS)
  • Conducted all administrative internal investigations (covering 240 employees within five unions).
  • Tracked high risk/high liability issues, such as vehicle pursuits, use of force, employee collisions, and K9 applications.
  • Reported directly to the Executive Staff.
  • Kitsap Regional SWAT team member and dedicated operator.
     
• September 2011 – December 2012
  Sergeant, Patrol Division
  WSCJTC First Level Supervision Certification
  
  • Supervised a shift of patrol deputies.
  • Led the SIU and the Pro Act Team, made up of detectives and deputies.
  • As area sergeant, coordinated response to community concerns.
  • Kitsap Regional SWAT team member and dedicated operator.
  • Instructor of Blue Courage.
     
• January 2006 – September 2011
  Patrol Deputy 
  • Assigned to a specific area of the county, responsible for proactive law enforcement and response to 911 calls for service.
  • Member of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU, Knock ‘n Talk team).
  • Kitsap Regional SWAT team member and dedicated operator.
    
     
• January 1995 – January 2006
  Narcotics Detective
  • Selected as a detective and served on a multi-jurisdictional drug enforcement task force, the West Sound Narcotics Enforcement Team (WestNET).
  • Worked with a team of detectives, supervisors, and administrators from local, state and federal agencies, investigating drug distribution and manufacturing.
  • Coordinated investigations with 16 other drug tasks and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
  • Cross deputized as a federal law enforcement officer.
  • Selected as member of the Kitsap County Regional SWAT team, a founding member and dedicated operator.
  • Instructor of Planning for High-Risk Operations, Emergency Vehicle Operations (EVOC), Pursuit Immobilization Technique (PIT), Noise Flash Diversion Device (NFDD-flashbang), SKID Car, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Nuclear and Radiological Awareness, FEMA Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Awareness, One on One Connection: Cops and Kids (Fred Rogers Company), Drug Investigations, and Informant Management. 
     
• October 1991- January 1995
  Patrol Deputy
  • Assigned to a specific area of the county, responsible for proactive law enforcement and response to 911 calls for service.
  • Member of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU, Knock ‘n Talk team).

COMMENDATIONS

• Top Overall and Top Academic, 1992
  • Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, Basic Law Enforcement Academy, Class 385
     
• Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office Deputy of the Year, 1999
  • Kitsap County Deputy Sheriff’s Guild and Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office
     
• NORA Award, 2001
  • As case agent regarding the Bandido Outlaw Motorcycle Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) investigation.
     
• U.S. Department of Justice Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), Pacific Region, 2003
  • As federal co-case agent for the Munoz Munoz Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) OCDETF investigation.
     
• Sheriff’s Award for Devoted and Distinguished Service, Sheriff’s Specialty Award and DEA Certificate of Appreciation, 2005 & 2006
  • Narcotics enforcement while assigned to the West Sound Narcotics Enforcement Team
     
• Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office Medal of Valor nominee, 2006
  • Coordinating the rescue of three deputies pinned down by gunfire.
     
• Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office Top Ten Deputy, 2007 & 2008 (Honorable Mention 2009
   
• Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, Divisional Commendation, 2009
  • Exceptional professionalism and teamwork during a homicide investigation.
     
• Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff’s Commendation, 2009
  • Courage and professionalism for rescuing the deputies pinned down by gunfire in 2006.
     
• Sheriff’s Award for Professional Excellence, 2019
  • For tireless Dedication, Teamwork, and being instrumental in the implementation of the Narcan program, which is helping to save lives throughout Kitsap County.
     
• Service Award, 2021
  • In honor of your service to the Kitsap County SWAT team, Jon VanGesen, Operator – Assistant Commander in appreciation for your 24 years of loyal and dedicated service on the Kitsap County SWAT team.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

Jon has over 6,000 hours of law enforcement and management training focused on law enforcement investigations, leadership, and administration. Here are some of the highlights.

• Executive Leadership
• DEA Drug Unit Commanders Academy, Class 76, Quantico, VA
• Protection of Public Officials, California Highway Patrol, Sacramento, CA
• DEA Drug Unit Supervisors Course, DEA, Seattle, WA
• NTOA SWAT Command, Decision Making, and Leadership, Boise, ID
• Applied Leadership Principles
• Risk Management for Law Enforcement
• Mastering Performance Management
• Recognizing, Understanding, and Managing the Problem Employee
• Hazardous Material On Scene Incident Command
• Leadership and Training: The Special OPS Operator
• Cold Case and Sexual Assault Investigations
• Advanced Incident Command System
• Team Building, Mentoring, and Coaching Skills
• Performance and Accountability
• Tribal Jurisdiction
• Crisis Intervention
• SWAT Basic
• National Methamphetamine Initiative
• Narcotics Task Force Commanders Conference
• The Sergeants Academy
• Embracing Change
• Blue Courage
• Law Enforcement Liability and Update
• DEA Basic and Advance Drug Enforcement
• Bulletproof Mind
• FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit
• Risk Management for Drug Enforcement
• FEMA Incident Command Systems (ICS 300, 400, 700)
• Social Media for Law Enforcement
• Reid Interview Techniques
• Use of Force, Deadly Force, and Officer Involved Shootings
• Fatal Drug Overdose Conference
• Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Investigations
• Police Internal Affairs
• Education Based Discipline
• Emotional Survival
• Employment Law Issues for Supervisors
• Washington State Patrol Leadership Series
• High Risk Event Planning
• Beyond Sexual Harassment
• Coaching and Counseling
• Middle Management
• Instructor Development
• Leadership and Survival Under Fire
• Peer Support Counseling
• Pursuit Decision Making
• Protecting and Serving Our Own: Reducing Police Suicide
• Crime Scene Investigations
• Homicide Investigations
• Leadership Kitsap Class of 2014

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

          

• National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)
• National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA)
• Idaho Sheriffs’ Association (ISA)
• Washington Narcotics Investigators Association (WSNIA)
• Rotary International, Bonners Ferry
• Rocky Mountain Information Network (RMIN)
• National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA)
• National Homicide Investigations Association (NHIA)
• Bonner County Sheriff’s Guild, former President