I would love to use the opportunity to send a thank you out to everyone who contacted our department with their generous donations and condolences after our 4 officers were killed on November 29, 2009. The murder of our four dedicated officers – three who were fathers and the fourth, a mother – sent shockwaves and despair though out our department and the law enforcement world. We had no idea though, at the time, how it also affected the community at large. We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support that we received from across the nation and Canada. Several thousand officers from many different states, including hundreds from the East Coast (many of whom flew out on their own dime) came to Tacoma for our officers’ memorial service. Thousands of people, some in the law enforcement family, and many with no connections to law enforcement at all, sent cards, letters, gifts, and money to help get the families of our slain officers through this difficult time and the tough times ahead. We would be very honored if you could post something from our department to everyone out there who offered us support – in whatever manner that support came – and let them know that we appreciate it more than they could ever know.

Thank you,

Karen Herritt,

Neighborhood Patrol Officer

Lakewood Police Department

Lakewood, WA 98499