About Mike Clark
Candidate for Benton County Sheriff
Mike Clark is a lifelong Tri-Cities resident who has dedicated more than 22 years to serving and protecting the people of Benton County. Born and raised in the community he still calls home, Mike and his wife, Kristen, have built their life here, raising four children and celebrating the joy of three grandchildren. His deep roots in the region shape his commitment to public safety, community partnership, and responsible leadership.
Outside of his professional life, Mike is deeply connected to the outdoors. He is an avid outdoors man who enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time outside with friends and family. He believes strongly in traditional family values and is committed to upholding the constitutional rights of citizens, preserving the sense of community that makes Benton County such a special place to live.
Mike’s law enforcement career began in 2003 with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. Over the next two decades, he advanced through most major roles in the agency—Corrections Officer, Patrol Deputy, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant—and was appointed Sheriff of Benton County in 2025 by the Benton County Board of Commissioners. With more than 3,500 hours of advanced training and certifications, Mike brings a comprehensive understanding of modern policing, department operations, and community needs.
As Sheriff, Mike oversees
- Department operations
- Budget management
- Protection of citizens’ rights
- Communication with employees, guilds, and the public
His leadership emphasizes operational efficiency, proactive policing strategies, and meaningful engagement with the community. Since becoming Sheriff, Mike has guided the agency through a period of transition while maintaining stability and public trust.
Prior to becoming Sheriff, Mike served as a Lieutenant, where he was responsible for
- SWAT Team Incident Commander
- Supervising patrol operations
- Coordinating Search & Rescue
- Overseeing the Training Division
- Managing fleet and procurement for large-scale purchasing
- Serving as Public Information Officer
- Developing and implementing the Officer Wellness Program
His earlier supervisory roles as Sergeant and Corporal strengthened his expertise in investigations, staffing, policy implementation, and frontline leadership.
Mike’s tactical background is extensive. For more than a decade, he served on the Tri-City Regional SWAT Team, rising from operator to Assistant Team Leader, Team Leader, and Incident Commander. During this time, he managed a 32-person regional team, oversaw multi-agency budgets, and led operational planning for hundreds of missions, including large-scale and multi-jurisdictional operations.
Mike’s professional development includes a wide range of advanced training:
Training
- Accepted to FBI National Academy
- Executive leadership
- Middle management
- Critical incident management
- Search and rescue coordination
- Advanced tactical instructor
Professional Experience
- Firearms instructor (pistol, rifle, shotgun)
- Defensive tactics instructor
- Critical incident response instructor
- Team movement and tactics instructor
- Hostage rescue instructor
Mike’s dedication to excellence has earned him recognition including
- Unit Citation Award for Valor (National Tactical Officers Association)
- Medal of Merit (Benton County Sheriff’s Office)
