Memorial
Trooper Christopher Gadd was killed when his patrol car was struck by another vehicle while he was parked on the shoulder of I-5, near 136th Street NE in Marysville, at about 3:00 am.
He was conducting DUI enforcement patrols when the crash occurred. The vehicle that struck him was traveling at a high rate of speed when he drove into the back of his patrol car. The driver was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide while awaiting toxicology reports.
Trooper Gadd had served with the Washington State Patrol for 2-1/2 years. He is survived by his wife, 2-year-old daughter, parents, and sister. His father also serves with the Washington State Patrol, and his sister serves with the Texas Highway Patrol.
Correctional Officer Jay Miller died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 while assigned to the Washington Corrections Center for Women.
Officer Miller was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Washington State Department of Corrections for 31 years. He is survived by his three sons.
The Effects of COVID on Law Enforcement
Beginning in early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country began to contract COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Due to the nature of their job, law enforcement officers were required to work and interact with the community even as the majority of the country was self-quarantined. As a result, hundreds of officers died from COVID-related illnesses and other complications.
Corrections agencies, in particular, suffered tremendous losses due to the constant and close proximity between the corrections officers and large inmate populations. Since March 2020, ODMP has verified that over 900 law enforcement officers have died as the result of a confirmed or presumed exposure while on duty and continues to work with hundreds of other agencies that have suffered a COVID-related death.
Police Officer Jordan Jackson was killed in a motorcycle crash in the 500 block of Bellevue Way SE.
He was traveling northbound when a vehicle pulled out of a parking lot and into his path, causing a collision. He was transported to Harborview Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries several hours later.
Officer Jackson had served with the Bellevue Police Department for 4-1/2 years and was assigned to the Motor Unit. He had previously served as an EMT and as a volunteer with the King County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Unit. He is survived by his wife and children.
Police Officer Dan Rocha was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious person at 1010 N Broadway Avenue at about 2:15 pm.
Citizens had called the police to report the man's suspicious behavior. Officer Rocha made contact with the man and a struggle ensued during which the man shot him in the head, killing him. The subject then ran over Officer Rocha's body as he fled in a car.
Other officers pursued the man for approximately two miles. He was taken into custody after crashing into several other vehicles at the intersection of 35th Street and Rucker Avenue.
Officer Rocha had served as a police officer with the Everett Police Department for four years and had previously served as a parking enforcement officer. Officer Rocha is survived by his wife and two sons.
Deputy Sheriff Dom Calata succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained the previous day while members of the Pierce County Sheriff's Department SWAT Team attempted to serve an arrest warrant in the 19000 block of Pacific Avenue South in Spanaway.
The SWAT Team was assisting the South Sound Gang Task Force with serving the warrant. They were making entry into the suspect's mobile home when the man opened fire on them. Deputy Calata and a sergeant were both shot and wounded before the subject was killed by return gunfire. Both deputies were transported to St. Joseph Medical Center where Deputy Calata succumbed to his wounds the following day.
Deputy Calata was a U.S. Army veteran and a Washington National Guard veteran. He had served with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department for 6-1/2 years and was assigned to the contracted Edgewood Police Department. He is survived by his wife and 4-year-old child.
Police Officer Donald Sahota was inadvertently shot and killed by a Clark County Sheriff's Office deputy while attempting to apprehend a robbery suspect who was attempting to break into his home.
The suspect had fled police after robbing a gas station on Northeast 117th Avenue in Vancouver. Officers used spike strips to immobilize the car, but the suspect was able to flee on foot. As deputies were searching for the suspect a woman called 911 reporting that a man who fit the robbery suspect's description had pounded on her front door asking for help and claimed he had been involved in a collision. She informed the call-taker that her husband was an off-duty officer and had gone outside to detain the man. The suspect and Officer Sahota became engaged in a struggle during which Officer Sahota was stabbed several times and dropped his firearm. The suspect broke free and began running toward Officer Sahota's house.
Officer Sahota retrieved his firearm and ran after the suspect as Clark County deputies arrived. One of the deputies perceived Officer Sahota as an armed suspect and shot him, not realizing he was an officer and the homeowner.
The suspect was taken into custody without further incident. He was charged with attempted first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, third-degree assault, and possession of a stolen vehicle.
Officer Sahota had served with the Vancouver Police Department for over seven years. He had previously served with the Gresham Police Department and the Port of Portland Police Department in Oregon. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Deportation Officer Bradley Kam died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty while working on an assignment near Tacoma, Washington.
Deportation Officer Kam had served with the United States Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations for four years and was assigned to the Seattle ERO Office. He had previously served with the United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection- United States Border Patrol at the Indio Station of the El Centro Sector for nine years. He is survived by his fiancé, father, mother, and sister.
Beginning in early 2020, due to the requirements of their job, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the United States contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Hundreds of law enforcement officers died from medical complications as a result of contracting the virus while remaining on duty and interacting with the community.
Police Officer Jay Hughes suffered a fatal heart attack while he and two other officers responded to an altercation on the gaming floor of the Northern Quest Resort and Casino in Spokane, Washington.
They were detaining one of the subjects when Officer Hughes suddenly collapsed. The other officers immediately started CPR. Officer Hughes was transported to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center where he passed away two days later.
Officer Hughes had served with the Kalispel Tribal Police Department for 4-1/2 years and had previously served with the Spokane County Sheriff's Office for 40 years. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for Spokane County Fire District 4. He is survived by his wife, four children, 12 grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
Officer Cesar Sibonga died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty while assigned to the Kenneth G. Ward Port of Entry near Lynden, Washington.
Officer Sibonga was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the United States Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations for 18 years. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
Beginning in early 2020, due to the requirements of their job, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the United States contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Hundreds of law enforcement officers died from medical complications as a result of contracting the virus while remaining on duty and interacting with the community.
Police Officer Jonathan Gumm suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after moving several military star-style barricades in the area of Mud Run Road Bridge.
He responded to reports of an abandoned vehicle in a training area where stolen cars are commonly dumped. He had to move six of the heavy metal barricades that had been chained together so that he could access the service road. He began to feel ill after returning to the police station and collapsed at home following his shift.
Officer Gumm was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Police Department for 17 years. He is survived by his wife and 10 adult children.
Correctional Officer Darryl Goodrich died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 while working at the Stafford Creek Corrections Center at 191 Constantine Way.
Officer Goodrich served with the Washington State Department of Corrections for one year. He is survived by his wife, three children, and his father.
Beginning in early 2020, due to the requirements of their job, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the United States contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Hundreds of law enforcement officers died from medical complications as a result of contracting the virus while remaining on duty and interacting with the community.
Trooper Eric Gunderson died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 while at a training conference in Champions Gate, Florida.
Trooper Gunderson was the technology liaison in the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and a member of the SWAT Team. His pioneering work with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV's) had been chronicled in media stories across the nation. He had traveled around the country representing the Washington State Patrol for UAV usage to shorten the time of road closures during collision investigations. It is on one of these trips that he contracted COVID.
Trooper Gunderson had served with Washington State Patrol for 15 years. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
Beginning in early 2020, due to the requirements of their job, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the United States contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Hundreds of law enforcement officers died from medical complications as a result of contracting the virus while remaining on duty and interacting with the community.
Sergeant Jeremy Brown was shot and killed while conducting surveillance at an apartment complex in the 3500 block of Northeast 109th Avenue in Vancouver.
He was approached by three people and was shot as he sat in his vehicle. Two subjects were arrested near the scene. The subject who shot Sergeant Brown was arrested by members of the United States Marshals Service on July 25th, 2021, and charged with first-degree aggravated murder.
Sergeant Brown had served with the Clark County Sheriff's Office for 15 years and was assigned to the Clark-Vancouver Drug Task Force. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had previously served with the Washington State Department of Corrections and the Missoula County Sheriff's Office in Montana.
Sergeant Brown was survived by his wife and five children.
Sergeant Brown was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
The Washington State Department of Corrections was notified that Correctional Officer Gabriel Forrest, 42 years of age, passed away on Thursday, June 17, 2021, from complications of COVID-19.
“Words do not seem adequate to express our sorrow at the loss of Correctional Officer Gabriel Forrest. Our hearts and prayers go to Gabe’s family for their loss and sacrifice,” said Secretary Cheryl Strange. “We grieve their loss, as does the extended family of the Stafford Creek Corrections Center.”
Forrest started his career as a correctional officer at Stafford Creek, was regarded as outstanding by colleagues and leadership, and was honored in 2018 with the Department of Corrections Agency Officer of the Year award representing Stafford Creek Corrections Center. Gabe started his career with Stafford Creek Corrections Center on August 1, 2002, as a correctional officer and has provided dedicated service to the Department of Corrections and the State of Washington during this time.
“Gabe was a very kind and caring person--I have never heard anyone say a bad thing about him,” said Ron Haynes, Superintendent at Stafford Creek Corrections Center. “He was one of the most humble people I have known, and he will be missed.”
Alexandra “Lexi” Harris, 38, was off-duty and had just finished a shift on June 13, when she encountered a three-vehicle collision on southbound Interstate 5 just south of Seattle. While trying to help the drivers involved in the accident, Harris was struck and killed by another vehicle.
The Seattle Police Department said it will share more information about the memorial service, including details about a procession, in the coming days.
“As we prepare to remember Lexi’s life, service, and sacrifice, I’m reminded of these words: ‘Law enforcement officers are never ‘off duty.’ They are dedicated public servants who are sworn to protect public safety at any time and place that the peace is threatened,'” wrote Chief Adrian Diaz in a post on the department’s blotter. “This was certainly true of Lexi.”
Correctional Officer David Christensen died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 during an outbreak among employees and inmates at the Stafford Creek Corrections Center in Aberdeen.
Officer Christensen was a U.S. Army veteran and had served in law enforcement for 40 years. He is survived by his son and three sisters.
In early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic due to requirements of their job. Many of these first responders died as a result of COVID-19.
Deputy Sheriff Jon Melvin died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 during a presumed exposure while on duty.
Deputy Melvin had served with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office for 35 years. He is survived by his son, father, and sister.
In early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic due to requirements of their job. Many of these first responders died as a result of COVID-19.
Police Officer Charlie Cortez died after the 24-foot fisheries enforcement vessel he was in capsized after being struck by a rogue wave in the Puget Sound, Washington, at about 9:00 pm.
He and his partner had just escorted a distressed boater into Tulalip Bay when their vessel was struck by the wave and capsized. A search was immediately initiated by tribal, local, state, and federal agencies in the area. Officer Cortez's partner was located in the water suffering from hypothermia near Hat Island at about 11:45 pm and rescued by tribal fishermen.
Officer Cortez was not located and, due to cold water temperatures and adverse weather conditions, it was determined that Officer Cortez could not have survived. The search and recovery operation was suspended on November 19th, 2020.
Officer Cortez had served with the Tulalip Tribal Police Department for three years.
Spanaway, WA – Pierce County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) Deputy Daryl Shuey died in the line of duty on Tuesday 11-17-20 after suffering a medical emergency.
A passerby called 911 at 6:16 a.m. to report that a deputy was unresponsive in a parking lot in the 14900-block of Pacific Avenue South, the PCSD said in a press release several hours later. Medics and fellow deputies rushed to the scene and found the 57-year-old deputy lying face-down on the ground outside his patrol car, KCPQ reported.
They attempted lifesaving measures before rushing Deputy Shuey to a local hospital, according to the sheriff’s office.“Shortly after 7:00 a.m. we were notified that our deputy had passed away from what appears to be a medical emergency,” the PCSD’s post read.
Deputy Shuey served the department for 26 years. He was assigned to dayshift central patrol, and had just begun his shift when the medical emergency occurred.
The PCSD described Deputy Shuey as a “proud husband and father,” and said he was a “beloved member” of the department.“We are asking all of you to keep Daryl, his family, and our deputies in your hearts today as we grieve his sudden passing,” the sheriff’s office said.
Corrections Officer Dan Oaks died after contracting COVID-19 during an outbreak among staff and inmates at the Yakima County Jail.
Officer Oaks had served with the Yakima County Department of Corrections for 15 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.
In early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic due to requirements of their job. Many of these first responders died as a result of COVID-19.
Officer Jonathan Shoop died in the line of duty while attempting to stop a violator vehicle on July 13th 2020, at around 9:40 PM. Officer Shoop died from his wounds at the scene.
Jonathan Shoop started his law enforcement career at the Bothell Police Department on June 3rd, 2019 after serving in the United States Coast Guard. Jonathan was a dedicated officer who served the City of Bothell with professionalism and compassion. Jonathan was well liked amongst his peers and throughout the community. Officer Jonathan Shoop will be dearly missed.
Officer Shoop is survived by his fiancé, his mother, and his two brothers.
Correctional Officer Berisford Morse died after contracting COVID-19 through a confirmed exposure to an inmate during an outbreak at the Monroe Correctional Complex’s minimum security unit.
Officer Morse had served with the Washington State Department of Corrections for 17 years.
In early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic due to requirements of their job. Many of these first responders died as a result of COVID-19.
Officer Morse is survived by his wife and daughter.
Police Officer Kurt Enget died as the result of complications from contracting COVID-19 while on duty.
Officer Enget had served with the Bainbridge Island Police Department for three years and had previously served with the Suquamish for 12 years. He is survived by his wife, three children, and two grandchildren.
In early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic due to requirements of their job. Many of these first responders died as a result of COVID-19.
Trooper Justin Schaffer was struck and killed by a fleeing vehicle while attempting to deploy stop sticks during a vehicle pursuit along I-5 in Chehalis.
The suspect driving the vehicle had stolen an item from a convenience store in Lacey the previous day. The man had threatened the clerk with a stun gun and threatened to run him over. Thurston County deputies spotted the truck the following day and attempted to stop it in Maytown. The vehicle fled into Lewis County with deputies pursuing it.
Trooper Schaffer was struck by the subject as he attempted to deploy stop sticks near mile marker 79. The man continued to flee until stopping and barricading himself inside his vehicle several miles later. He was taken into custody by Thurston County deputies.
Trooper Schaffer had served with the Washington State Patrol for six years. He is survived by his wife, parents, and brother.
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 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.”
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.