On Scene

I would like to take a moment and again remember the four fallen Lakewood Police Officers whom were murdered senselessly on November 29, 2009 while protecting and serving their community.

On December 8, several sheriff office personnel and several Cathlamet fire/EMS personnel attended the memorial services for Officer Mark Renninger, Officer Tina Griswold, Officer Ronald Owens, and Officer Greg Richards. We all left Cathlamet at 4 a.m. to stage at McChord Air Force Base for the Memorial Procession to the Tacoma Dome later that day. I feel very honored that I was able to attend the memorial services and give tribute to our four fallen heroes, and brothers and sister in arms.

Wow, the turnout was amazing as you could see if you watched television that day. The procession was 10 miles long and took approximately four hours to complete. Throughout the procession route people were standing at attention or with their right hand covering their heart in 18 degree weather to pay their respects to the four Lakewood Police Department officers, as well as all of the law enforcement officers and fire and EMS professionals. Many citizens along the route looked into my eyes as I drove by and simply said or mouthed “thank you.” My faith in humanity was restored throughout the day. I am truly honored to be a police officer and to serve and protect the citizens of Wahkiakum County and Washington State.

The memorial service itself was gut wrenching, but amazing with nearly 30,000 cops under one roof. The show of support and solidarity was incredible and very emotional. I’ve attended law enforcement funerals in the past, but this one; words cannot describe.

I would like to thank all of the people and all of the emergency responders in Wahkiakum County, Washington State and our great country for the outpouring of support for the slain Lakewood Police officers and their families. I spoke with many police officers from all around the country and Canada and the reoccurring theme was camaraderie and support. Please keep these Heroes and their families in our thoughts and prayers.

May God bless Officer Mark Renninger, Officer Tina Griswold, Officer Ronald Owens and Officer Greg Richards for their ultimate sacrifice, you are gone, but not forgotten.