Memorial
Deputy Cooper Dyson
Deputy Cooper Dyson was tragically killed in a collision on the early morning of Saturday December 21, 2019, as he responded to assist other deputies who were being assaulted by a domestic violence suspect who was trying to access a firearm.
Deputy Cooper Dyson was 25 years old, married, a father of 3 year old son and was expecting a baby girl in two weeks. He was a proud veteran of the United States Coast Guard and has served as a deputy with Pierce County Sheriff's Office since 2018.
Chief Knapp
Chief Knapp succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday November 6th, 2019. Knapp, 79, was struck by a maroon 1988 Chevrolet GMT-400 while crossing Fourth Street in Lynden shortly before 5:30 p.m. Nov. 5, according to the Washington State Patrol release on the incident, which noted that the truck’s headlights were not on at the time of the collision.
“Michael was a family man that touched many and will be sorely missed,” his family said in a statement to The Bellingham Herald. “He offered so much to his family, friends and community.”
Chief Knapp, a U.S. Army veteran, served with many departments throughout his long career in law enforcement.
He worked for the Milpitas Police Department and the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office in California, and later served as the Medina Police Department chief from 1998 until 2003. In 2005, he was appointed as the chief of police in Ferndale, Washington, where he remained until his retirement in 2016.
Chief Knapp also worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and spent eight months serving the Blaine Police Department.
“Chief Michael Knapp embodies the best in public service,” Ferndale City Administrator Jori Burnett said, according to The Bellingham Herald. “For over a decade, he served the city of Ferndale with honor and distinction, bringing his years of experience to elevate the work of the Ferndale Police Department. We are holding him and [wife] Nancy in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Chief Knapp had been serving as the LPD’s interim chief for the past six months. Chief Knapp was an FBI National Academy graduate, a Foreign Service Institute graduate, and a member of the California Bar Association.
Ferndale Mayor Jon Mutchler said he has known Chief Knapp for over 10 years, KOMO reported. "Chief Knapp was one of the few people I’ve ever known in my life that when you’re around him…you step up your game,” Mutchler explained. “You’re a better person. I’m a better man.”
“Michael was a family man that touched many and will be sorely missed,” his family said in a statement to The Bellingham Herald. “He offered so much to his family, friends and community.”
Chief Knapp, a U.S. Army veteran, served with many departments throughout his long career in law enforcement.
He worked for the Milpitas Police Department and the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office in California, and later served as the Medina Police Department chief from 1998 until 2003. In 2005, he was appointed as the chief of police in Ferndale, Washington, where he remained until his retirement in 2016.
Chief Knapp also worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and spent eight months serving the Blaine Police Department.
“Chief Michael Knapp embodies the best in public service,” Ferndale City Administrator Jori Burnett said, according to The Bellingham Herald. “For over a decade, he served the city of Ferndale with honor and distinction, bringing his years of experience to elevate the work of the Ferndale Police Department. We are holding him and [wife] Nancy in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Chief Knapp had been serving as the LPD’s interim chief for the past six months. Chief Knapp was an FBI National Academy graduate, a Foreign Service Institute graduate, and a member of the California Bar Association.
Ferndale Mayor Jon Mutchler said he has known Chief Knapp for over 10 years, KOMO reported. "Chief Knapp was one of the few people I’ve ever known in my life that when you’re around him…you step up your game,” Mutchler explained. “You’re a better person. I’m a better man.”
Brent L. Hanger
On August 6, 2015, Washington State Patrol (WSP) Detective and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force Officer (TFO) Brent L. Hanger was participating in a joint WSP and DEA marijuana eradication effort on public lands outside of Yakima, Washington. This operation was conducted as part of the DEA Seattle Division’s Domestic Cannabis Eradication and Suppression Program. TFO Hanger was hiking with other members of the Reconnaissance and Arrest Team following a tip on a suspected large-scale outdoor grow operation when he suffered chest pains which required immediate medical attention. Attempts by on-scene medical personnel to revive TFO Hanger proved unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead on the scene.
Task Force Officer Hanger began his career with the Washington State Patrol in March of 1999. At the time of his passing he worked out of the DEA Bellingham Resident Office while assigned as an Investigative Detective to the Whatcom County Drug and Gang Task Force. In June of 2009, TFO Hanger became actively involved in eradication efforts on public and tribal lands throughout the State of Washington. TFO Hanger was a certified helicopter short haul master and key member of the Reconnaissance and Arrest Team, responsible for apprehending individuals tending to and overseeing large outdoor marijuana grow operations.
Task Force Officer Hanger was survived by his wife, Lisa and their six children; Emily, Erin, Kailey, Erik, Kyle, and Kevin.
Task Force Officer Hanger began his career with the Washington State Patrol in March of 1999. At the time of his passing he worked out of the DEA Bellingham Resident Office while assigned as an Investigative Detective to the Whatcom County Drug and Gang Task Force. In June of 2009, TFO Hanger became actively involved in eradication efforts on public and tribal lands throughout the State of Washington. TFO Hanger was a certified helicopter short haul master and key member of the Reconnaissance and Arrest Team, responsible for apprehending individuals tending to and overseeing large outdoor marijuana grow operations.
Task Force Officer Hanger was survived by his wife, Lisa and their six children; Emily, Erin, Kailey, Erik, Kyle, and Kevin.
