JOURNALIST/PHOTOJOURNALIST WANTED
Seeking a journalist/photojournalist to cover Eatonville’s July 3 festivities for The Dispatch
This is a $100 freelance assignment to attend the event, take publication-quality photos and provide a short local write-up capturing the celebration and community atmosphere.
Reliability, strong news judgment and clean, accurate writing are important. Photography experience is preferred. Additional assignments may be available for the right person.
To apply, send a brief note of interest, writing or photography samples if available, and your July 3 availability to: dispatch@pacificpublishingcompany.com
June 24, 2026
50¢
ISSUE 26
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Sheriff Swank’s Future Could Be Cut Short by Ballot Measure
Rod Knockers Car Show Returns for 30th Year in Downtown Eatonville
Staff Report
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ierce County voters may soon decide whether Sheriff Keith Swank should finish his term, and whether the sheriff should remain an elected position at all. In previous coverage, The Dispatch reported that Swank’s controversial first year in office had raised questions about whether an elected sheriff could be removed before the end of a term. At the time, the realistic paths appeared difficult: a voter recall, possible decertification through the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, or a future charter change. The commission voted to send voters a proposed charter amendment that would change the sheriff ’s office from an elected position back to an appointed one. If approved, the sheriff would be appointed by the county executive and confirmed by the County Council. The proposal would also end Swank’s current term on Jan. 1, 2027, two years before the four-year term voters gave him in 2024 is scheduled to expire. That provision has turned a structural debate into a direct political fight over Swank. The Charter Review Commission is made up of 21 elected residents, with three representatives from each County Council district. It reviews the county charter every 10 years and can send proposed amendments to voters. This year, the sheriff ’s office became one of the most heavily debated topics in that process. The question itself is not new. Pierce County’s charter originally made the sheriff an appointed position. Voters changed that in 2006, returning the office to an elected role. The new proposal would reverse that decision. Supporters of an appointed sheriff argue the change would bring the office closer to the accountability model used for police chiefs, who are typically hired, supervised and removed by elected executives or councils. Critics argue it would take power away from voters and make the sheriff politically dependent on county officials. Swank has argued that the sheriff should remain independently elected. According to Gig Harbor Now, he told commissioners an elected sheriff is important to avoid “the corruption and control that one-party systems bring.” He also suggested that if commissioners wanted to discuss accountability for the sheriff, they should consider similar scrutiny for other elected officials, including background checks, polygraphs and psychological testing. “We’re spending a lot of time talking about sheriff because people don’t like me,” Swank said, according to Gig Harbor Now. “I won’t be the sheriff forever.”
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fter a rain-soaked show last year, the Rod Knockers Car Club is hoping for a full return to form when its 30th Annual Rod Knockers Car Show rolls back into downtown Eatonville on Saturday, June 27. The show runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free for spectators. Registration is $20. For Eatonville, the Rod Knockers show has become one of the familiar signs of summer: polished hoods, open engines, classic trucks, motorcycles, neighbors visiting in the street and the steady sound of car talk filling downtown. The show typically draws 300 to 400 cars, according to
information from Joe Peluso, who founded the club more than three decades ago. Last year, rain cut the turnout down to just 56 cars, but the club still carried on with the event and its donations. That persistence is part of what the club has become known for. The Rod Knockers Car Club was founded in 1994 and now includes about 40 members, many of them veterans themselves. While the cars are what bring people downtown, the club’s work has long reached beyond the show field. Over the years, Rod Knockers events have helped support the Eatonville Senior
Center, the local food bank, the Eatonville Family Agency, automotive scholarships at Bates Technical College and tiny homes for veterans at the Washington Soldiers Home in Orting. The club also stepped up last fall when a delay in SNAP benefits left senior veterans at the Soldiers Home in need of food and basic supplies. The annual June show is a major part of that work. In a typical year, the event raises about $1,200 to $1,500 for the Eatonville Family Agency. The club also serves hundreds of free hot dogs, along with chips and water, as a simple welcome to anyone who stops by.
This year’s 30th anniversary show will include a DJ, goodie bags, raffles, door prizes, a 50/50 drawing and more than 50 trophies. Dash plaques will be available for the first 300 cars. Car owners are invited to bring down any vehicle they are proud of, whether it is a classic car, truck, motorcycle or another motorized favorite. Spectators are invited to walk the show, enjoy the cars and spend time in downtown Eatonville. The event also encourages visitors to stop in at local stores while they are in town. For more information, contact the Rod Knockers Car Club.
Eatonville Police Chief Jason LaLiberte to Retire After 30 Years of Service By Merrick Parnell
T
he Town of Eatonville has announced the retirement of Police Chief Jason LaLiberte, who will conclude a distinguished 30-year law enforcement career on June 30, 2026.
LaLiberte spent more than 25 years with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, serving in roles, including gang investigator, homicide team leader, detective sergeant, SWAT operator and sniper, field training officer, and driving instructor. He also played key roles in training, community outreach, marine services, and professional standards. He joined Eatonville as a contracted police chief in 2019 and was officially appointed chief of police in 2022. During his tenure, LaLiberte became known for his commitment to community policing, transparency, and building strong relationships with residents. LaLiberte said the community’s closeknit nature made his service especially meaningful.
“What I’ve valued most about serving Eatonville is the genuine connection between the community and its police department,” LaLiberte said. “This is a town where people know each other, look out for one another and truly care about what happens here. That level of trust and accessibility is something you don’t always find, and it made my role not just meaningful, but personal.” LaLiberte said Eatonville presents a unique blend of small-town relationships and real public safety challenges. “Our officers are expected to be more than just responders. They are problem-solvers, mentors and community
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