Veteran Swinomish officer earns promotion to lieutenant

A 10-year veteran of the Swinomish Police Department, Velma Lockrem was inspired to pursue a career in law enforcement by her grandfather, Joe Bailey, a former officer who now serves as chief of Fish & Wildlife Enforcement for the tribe.

Lockrem was promoted to lieutenant and second-in-command status within the department during special ceremonies at Swinomish last week.

A Swinomish Indian Tribal Community member, Lockrem has risen through the ranks based upon her broad range of experience and extensive background, including service as the department’s training officer and police boat skipper in addition to leading its youth programs.

“I am proud of Lt. Lockrem’s dedication and the commitments she has made to her community, her family, and most importantly, herself,” Swinomish Tribal Chairman Steve Edwards told the Weekly News.

“She represents all women, which is a blessing for Swinomish and our surrounding community. She has done, and continues to do, the hard work and consistently proves to our youth that the sky is the limit. She earned this.”

Lockrem is a graduate of both the FBI Crisis Negotiator and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) trainings and has earned the prestigious Trilogy Award from the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association.

She has also completed the sergeants’ academy course and is a certified Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission First Level Supervisor.

“Lt. Lockrem demonstrates only the highest level of commitment,” said Swinomish Police Chief Earl Cowan. “She is a shining example to our youth and a dedicated leader in our community.”

Cowan cited Lockrem’s role spearheading several innovative programs for the Swinomish community.

“Lt. Lockrem currently leads the marine patrol program as well as our youth engagement program,” Cowan said. “Her new position places her in direct command of the patrol division.

“We are blessed to have her leading our patrol team,” he stressed.

In addition to the influence of her grandfather, Lockrem said she also took a high school course that presented a series of tests leading her to a career path in law enforcement.

Cowan said Lockrem possesses personality traits – empathy and relatability, among them, in addition to having grown up in the Swinomish community – that makes her well-suited to serve in local law enforcement.

Lockrem expressed gratitude to Swinomish officials for the vote of confidence they have bestowed upon her.

“I want to thank the Swinomish Senate and the department for trusting me with this responsibility,” she said. “I’m excited to be part of the team leading us toward a 21st century police department.”