The Washington State Sheriffs’ Association released a statement late Wednesday evening in support of the state’s COVID-19 response.

“The Governor has issued the order under his authority in this crisis. The responsibility of our legislative branch is to write law, the responsibility of our judicial branch is to judge law, the responsibility of law enforcement is to enforce law,” the statement read. “We are committed to educate, engage, and in extreme situations where public safety and health are at risk, use our discretion in considering the appropriate level of enforcement. It is what we have always done, and will continue to do, during this crisis.”

The statement is signed by President John Snaza of Thurston County, Vice President Tom Jones of Grant County, Secretary/Treasurer Brian Burnett of Chelan County and Past President Gene Dana, retired, formerly of Kittitas County.

Kitsap Sheriff deputy Scott Wilson, the public information officer, said that Kitsap Sheriff Gary Simpson supports the statement and the position of the sheriffs’ association.

The statement came on the heels of a social media post and subsequent press conference in which Snohomish County Sheriff Adam Fortney called Gov. Jay Inslee’s stay-at-home order unconstitutional and said he would refuse to enforce it, as reported by the Daily Herald in Everett, which is also a Sound Publishing publication.

But the WSSA said its responsibility is to enforce the law.

“Our communities are diverse and as local leaders we will continue to help explain why these disruptions to our lives are necessary and important. Working with our local public health agencies, we will provide an approach that balances the needs of health, the economy, and our families. We need to trust, engage, and empower Washingtonians to continue health safety measures while adjustments to restrictions are considered and implemented.”

“The citizens we serve expect and trust us to do what we have been empowered to do—not more, not less, but with compassion and discretion.”