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Date: July 8, 2026
Kitsap County Interim Sheriff interviews scheduled for Tuesday, July 14
(Port Orchard, WA) -The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners has announced the interview schedule for the Kitsap County Interim Sheriff position. The Board has reserved Tuesday, July, 14 beginning at 10 a.m. during a public session in the Port Blakely Conference Room in the Administration Building (619 Division Street, Port Orchard), to conduct interviews to explore qualifications of the three potential appointees.
Former Sheriff John Gese resigned from his position effective June 29, 2026. The process for filling vacant partisan offices is directed by the Washington State Constitution Article II, Section 15. As Sheriff Gese was elected as a Democrat, the Kitsap County Democratic Central Committee provided the Kitsap County Board of County Commissioners, as appointing authority, with a list of three potential nominees to fill the vacancy. The Kitsap County Democratic Central Committee has nominated Ken Dickinson, Jeffrey Menge, and Brandon Myers.
The Board has 60 days after an office becomes vacant to make an appointment. Following interviews on July 14, the Board will deliberate in executive session. They are expected to formally appoint the Interim Sheriff following background checks, no later than August 29. The appointee will serve until voters elect the next Kitsap County Sheriff during the November 2026 general election.
While the Constitutional process takes place, the Board appointed Chief Penelope Sapp as Acting Sheriff. Chief Sapp is directing the daily operations of the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office until the Interim Sheriff is appointed. Chief Sapp will be sworn-in as Acting Sheriff at the next Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for Monday, July 13 at 5:30 p.m. She is not one of the three potential candidates being considered for the Interim Sheriff appointment.
Interview schedule and nominee bios
Tuesday, July 14, 10 a.m. – Jeffrey Menge
Jeffrey Menge has been employed with the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office for 23 years after three years of working as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney at the Kitsap County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Menge started in Patrol, became a Sergeant, a Lieutenant and a Division Chief. He has served in supervisory, management and leadership positions since 2012.
Tuesday, July 14, 11 a.m. – Brandon Myers
Brandon Myers brings more than 23 years of direct Kitsap County public safety experience. Myers started with the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office as an Explorer Cadet, and continued as a Reserve Deputy, 911 Dispatcher/Call Receiver, Patrol Deputy, Patrol Sargeant, Support Services Sergeant, and Detective Sergeant.
Tuesday, July 14, Noon – Ken Dickinson
Ken Dickinson served at the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office for more than 31 years, before retiring in May 2025. During Dickinson’s tenure, he served as a Patrol Deputy, Traffic Investigation Deputy, Patrol Sargeant, Civil and Support Services Sergeant, Traffic Sergeant, and ultimately the Civil and Support Services Lieutenant. He also served in collateral roles as a Field Training Officer, Marine Services Unity Deputy, Sergeant, and Public Information Officer.
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Contact Information: Kym Pleger, Communications & Community Engagement Manager, Commissioners Office, 360.277.6032
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