Meet Kevin

A Legacy of Service

Kevin is passionate about justice and public safety. Growing up in California’s Gold Country, he learned early on how important it is to help others. His involvement with the California Highway Patrol Explorer Program and the Calaveras County Youth Peer Court further strengthened his commitment. These experiences inspired him to dedicate his life to serving and protecting his community.

Two Decades of Leadership

Kevin joined the U.S. Army in March 2001 at age 17. He served for 20 years and earned the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was stationed at several stateside locations as well as overseas in South Korea. He was deployed to the United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, and Iraq. In addition to his main duties, Kevin served as an Army Sexual Harassment and Assault Response/Prevention Victim Advocate and Unit Prevention Leader, roles that allowed him to support Soldiers both proactively and during difficult moments in their lives. As a SHARP Victim Advocate, he focused on preventing sexual harassment and assault while providing compassionate, confidential support to victims as they navigated the impact of trauma. As a Unit Prevention Leader, he worked on the prevention and detection of substance use and abuse, and regularly assisted Soldiers who were struggling by helping connect them with Substance Use Disorder Treatment and other resources. These roles further cemented his passion for helping victims of sexual assault and compassion for those struggling with substance use.

Bridging Military and Community

After his second combat deployment to Afghanistan, while still serving in the Army, Kevin decided to strengthen his ties with Thurston County by volunteering. He attended the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) Basic Law Enforcement Reserve Academy hosted by the Skagit Valley Community College, where he was elected Class President and graduated at the top of his class. He was selected by his peers for the "Patrol Partner" award, the partner most desired to show up to a call, for his reliability and leadership.

Protecting Thurston County

Kevin spent six years as a volunteer Reserve Deputy while still on active duty. Upon retiring from the Army in 2021, Kevin joined the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office full-time. Today, he serves the community in several key roles:

  • Special Victims Detective: Works on cases involving the most vulnerable members of the community.
  • Marine Services Unit & Search and Rescue Coordinator: Integral to efforts that keep people safe on the water and land.
  • Instructor: One of only two instructors for the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) program that prepares deputies to successfully intervene to prevent harm and to create a law enforcement culture that supports peer intervention.
  • Leadership: Vice President of the Thurston County Deputy Sheriff’s Association. (WA FOP Local 38)

Education & Family

Kevin holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Troy University and a Master of Public Administration from The Evergreen State College.

Kevin and his wife, Dr. Elizabeth Burton-Crow, have lived in Thurston County since 2011. They have two adult children: Emily, who attends Western Washington University, and William, who serves in the U.S. Air Force. They enjoy supporting local organizations, including the Capital Land Trust, Truly Motivated Transition Living (TMTL), Raise for Rowyn, and the Thurston County Food Bank, among others.

Fast Facts

  • Military Service: 20 years, US Army (Retired Sergeant First Class). SHARP Victim Advocate and Unit Prevention Leader.
  • Education: Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ); Master of Public Administration (MPA).
  • Current Role: Special Victims Detective, Thurston County Sheriff's Office.
  • Community: President of the Thurston County Deputy Sheriff’s Association (WA FOP Local 38); member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion.
  • Personal: Married to Elizabeth; father of Emily and William; resident of Thurston County since 2011.