125: Leading from the Front with Care and Vulnerability, w/ Deputy Chief Andy McCurdy

It was years of hearing about the true servant leader, Andy McCurdy, before I came to meet him. His reputation preceded him in all the great ways.  Like his brother, Pat, Andy was also known for leading with compassion, truly being there for his guys, and fostering wellness and peer support throughout the ranks.

When I was starting to find my voice with Blue Grit, one of my officers turned me onto the Leaderist - a police leadership podcast started by Lexi Harris. I thus got to learn about Chief McCurdy- when he was running a contract city for the County- and hear how his passion moved beyond officers, operations, and into the community- truly what this work is all about.

It was years later that we met in response to Deputy Dom Calata’s death.. sadly as many cops do come together in times of loss.  He had coordinated a large-scale regional peer support effort- which is just one prime example where apt leadership met devoted purpose.. and that is a lot of what Andy demonstrates. 

In our conversation, we talk about his background, career, leading FOR wellness.  He opens up about his own personal stressors and struggles with the career and life... and openness truly lacking in police culture from our leaders. His vulnerability is something we can all learn from- as a true leader can help us recognize that it’s okay not to be okay.

I am proud to have him in our region and circles- and to call him a leader and mentor of mine- and to help share his lessons with you. 
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Andy McCurdy is currently the Deputy Police Chief for the city of Sumner, WA. Andy comes from a law enforcement family and lives with his wife and three kids in Pierce County, WA. 

Andy started his LE career in 1991 in California as a Community Service Officer. Andy moved to Washington and became a Police Officer in 1996. Andy spent 24 years with the King County Sheriff's Office as a Patrol Deputy, Master Police Officer, Special Assault Unit Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Internal Investigations Unit Sergeant, Advanced Training Unit Supervisor, and Chief of Police. Andy also spent more than 15 years as a Peer Support Team member and leader and more than 12 years investigating serious use of force incidents on the Administrative Review Team. 

Andy has been teaching locally, regionally, and internationally for more than 20 years in areas including use of force, procedural justice, trauma informed practices, peer support/wellness, and leadership.

Andy currently volunteers as a board member for Code 4 NW, Executive Director of Police Activities League of Sumner, Coach/Director of Badges and Barbells After School Weightlifting Clubs, and as a side walker and on the barn team for Sundance Circle Hippotherapy. Andy and his wife, Demarie, also run a camp for blind and visually impaired children, called Camp Possible.

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