The Council of Metropolitan Police and Sheriffs (COMPAS) announced the appointment of Federal Way resident Renee Maher as executive director of the organization. COMPAS represents more than 2,000 law enforcement officers and police commanders, including Seattle police and King County Sheriff’s deputies.

Maher is a former prosecutor and licensed attorney in both Hawaii and Washington. She is the widow of Federal Way police officer Patrick Maher, who was killed in the line of duty on Aug. 2, 2003. In 2006, she ran for the Legislature against current State Sen. Tracey Eide.

As executive director of COMPAS, Maher will also lobby in Olympia on behalf of local and state law enforcement. The organization will pursue legislation to benefit families of officers killed in the line of duty, along with legislation that denies bail to third-strikers such as Maurice Clemmons, she said.

“I see getting law enforcement involved in the political process to be very important,” said Maher, noting that her position can bring awareness to legislators about the effects of criminal laws. “COMPAS is going to be a strong voice in Olympia.”

“Renee is well known and well respected throughout the law enforcement community as someone who understands police issues and knows firsthand the burdens of police families,” said Sgt. Ty Elster, COMPAS president, in a news release.

To learn more, call (253) 334-1735 or (206) 767-1150.