By Rhonda Brown |


While the role of a public servant is, by nature, highly visible, it is natural to desire a modicum of privacy. Working on the police force brings this dichotomy into greater contrast - someone who is responding to some of life’s most difficult and candid moments is also always in the public eye. In a small town so many people tend to know each other in ways that are not often seen in larger cities. Being part of the LGBTQ+ community can also be cause for speculation or conversation, whether relevant or not. Because of this and more it was a great honor that I was able to sit down and have an honest conversation with Ocean Shores’ Chief of Police, Neccie Logan, and learn more about her life and her position in the community.

Chief Logan has been in her position since April 1, 2018, and has served in policing around the state for many years. However, it was her original career goal of becoming a special education teacher that ultimately led to her desire to enter the police force and continue the work she now knows and loves. While in college, a partner at the time suggested that the primary role of law enforcement is to educate themselves and others for both crime prevention and conflict resolution. Educating herself, while a constant process, is something she has done in earnest. She initially entered the academy after graduating from Eastern Washington University with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

After completing her degree and the police academy she was in the first COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) program in Portland, OR - studying an additional 4-½ months in a program that was funded by the federal government to allow local smaller police forces to have highly-trained officers without sacrificing already small budgets. But her education did not end there: she was one of 3-4 officers from Washington State selected to attend the FBI National Academy at Quantico, VA that is held 3 times a year. A very selective process is involved to be accepted, and 10 weeks of intense training required for her to graduate from this elite program. With the town being on a jetty in a region that has a high natural disaster risk rate and is quite distant from major cities and medical facilities, having a first responder with such a broad background is a boon to our area.

Ocean Shores, in general, is no different from many small-town police forces in their tight budgets and small numbers. The city currently has a total force of 18 officers, which also includes animal control and marine patrol within their numbers. Chief Logan also enlists volunteers for some community safety, and strongly hopes to increase their staff in the near future. With a population of over 7,000, a constantly fluctuating tourist population, over 8,000 acres of land, and 26 miles of fresh waterways, they are always busy and in need of more support. Even so, it seems Chief Logan’s goal of prevention and education is doing well to keep all (local and tourist alike) safe and experiencing a low rate of crime. Long days, a diverse and supportive team, and the dedication to treat all they interact sans labels or preconceptions is what she credits their success to. Her thoughts on their ability to protect and serve is not without complaints, though. They always need more staff, especially over holidays like July 4th, and their facilities are severely lacking: there is no dedicated interview room, and so at times they are forced to use offices or waiting areas in order to speak privately.

In our time talking there was not one thing she could say that was bad about being Chief, as an out woman in the community or in her role, or the people she has come to know here. While some may not be thrilled to have to talk to the police in a time of conflict, she has not seen any anti-cop sentiment in general, and even though different gatherings like Black Lives Matter and Pride have involved discord in some areas, it is not an issue in Ocean Shores. In fact: Ocean Shores does not have any dedicated police presence at these official events, as it is neither needed for participants or those who might be in opposition. She acknowledges that “most people are here to live or visit and simply enjoy themselves and never cause a problem.” When she does get a call, she and her officers know they are often “going in blind”, and the best course of action is always to deal with each person, as needed. In her words: “I treat everyone like they’re my friend.”

Chief Logan is not without support and a good work/life balance. Her partner and wife, Sara Logan, their two children, and a child from a previous marriage are all a major part of her life and bring her great joy. She tells me that Sara would like it if she didn’t have calls to go out when they are enjoying some well-needed family time, but prefers she leads by example and is proud that she does. Neccie is also an avid runner and has run countless races, including finishing the Boston Marathon a year after the finish line bombing. For her, running that particular race was a great badge of honor, as not only was she amongst so many showing that they would not be scared away, but was joining a friend who had been there the year before in what was a great feat of courage. It has become their family tradition over the past few years now to actually pick a race (big or small) somewhere and schedule their vacation plans around traveling there.

Neccie Logan (upper right) and wife Sara Logan (upper left) with their son and daughter, 2023.

Having a prominent civil servant in a committed same-sex marriage in a small town might not be what some would expect, but her dedication to work, family and community have shown that she is as steadfast as can be. She is proud of who she is, where she lives, and what she does. Recognizing she also serves as an example in a prominent public service role, she has this to say to our queer youth: “Do not let your sexuality define you as a person and don’t let it control how you respond to your environment. Just be the best you that you can be. Be confident in yourself and hold your head high. Keep your mind open because you may be surprised to find the support and love you need from the people you may have least expected it from. You may also come across some haters along the way but whatever you do, do not program your mind to think that everyone you come across is going to be a hater. That is a waste of energy and time. Don’t let them get you down. Live life for you and nobody else.” Great advice to live by.


Rhonda Brown is a contributor to local LGBTQ+ publications in Washington State. She currently resides in Shoreline, WA and continues to work in art restoration and international finance. Her hobbies include kayaking and caring for elderly and disabled pets.
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