meet
Chris Lee
Veteran. Leader. Protector.
Chris was born and raised in the
Pacific Northwest.
He graduated from East Valley High School in Yakima, Washington in 1996. After graduation, Chris joined the United States Marine Corps and served from 1997 to 2001.
After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, Chris moved back to central Washington and began his law enforcement career:
- 2001 - 2003: Security Police Officer II, Hanford Patrol
- 2001 - 2003: Reserve Deputy, Yakima County
Sheriff’s Office - 2003 - 2006: Police Officer, Pasco Police Department
- 2006 - 2022: Police Officer, Richland Police Department
- 2022 - Current: Chief of Police, Connell Police Department
Chris Lee is a former member of the United States Marine Corps. Use of Chris Lee’s military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Marine Corps or the Department of Defense.
During Chris’ over twenty-five-year law enforcement career, he has served in numerous capacities:
Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Detective, Proactive Anti-Crime Team, Metro Drug Task Force, Instructor, K9 Handler, Swat and Bomb Incident Commander, Public Information Officer, Drug Court Liaison, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Commander of the Benton County Emergency Services, and in his current role as Police Chief, in addition to many other positions.
Chris considers himself a lifelong student — holding several degrees. Chris graduated from Lionel University with an AS degree in Exercise Science and a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree from Liberty University. Chris attended and graduated from the FBI National Academy Session 273 in 2018. He holds first-level supervision, middle management, and executive-level career certifications from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. He received the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award for his dedication to furthering his leadership abilities and is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.
In Chris’ free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, camping, woodworking, and engaging in the community.
He is a member of the Franklin County Republican Party Central Committee and serves as the executive secretary and legislative liaison — working to ensure Franklin County residents and the Franklin County Republican Party are aware of the policies coming out of Olympia. He is also a proud member of the NRA.
Chris maintains membership status with:
- International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
- Washington Association of Sheriff and Police Chiefs (WASPC)
- FBI National Academy Associates and Washington chapter (FBINAA)
- National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA)
- Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)
- National Rifle Association of America (NRA)
- FBI LEEDA
- The National Society of Leadership and Success
- Franklin County Republican Central Committee – Legislative Liaison Chair and Executive Secretary
- Franklin County Farm Bureau
Chris and his wife Julie have been married since 2006. They have three children, one grandchild, and a son-in-law: Merisah (30), Jessica (17), Isaac (14), Kameron (1), and Kyle.