05.13.10

POLICE WEEK: Murray, Cantwell Honor Washington State's Fallen Officers of 2009 with Senate Resolution, Speeches on Senate Floor

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell introduced the “Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial Resolution,” a resolution honoring Washington State law enforcement officers who gave their lives in the line of duty in 2009. Murray and Cantwell both went to the floor of the Senate today to honor and commemorate the seven Washington state police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2009.
 
“I am proud to join today with Senator Cantwell during National Police Week to introduce the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial Resolution to extend the condolences of the Senate to the families, loved ones, and communities of our state’s fallen heroes,” said Senator Patty Murray on the floor of the Senate. “Each of these tragedies sheds new light on the enormity of the sacrifices police officers make every day in Washington state and across the country. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with their families. And I join their communities, Washington state, and the entire nation in my gratitude for their service.”
 
“2009 was the deadliest year for law enforcement in my state in more than 70 years,” said Senator Maria Cantwell on the floor of the Senate. “Seven officers were killed in the line of duty in 2009. These heroes, who put their lives at risk for our safety every day, will be deeply missed and never forgotten. The men and women in blue keep our communities safe. They make tremendous sacrifices daily. And so do their families. I am honored to join my colleague, Senator Murray, in extending my prayers and condolences to the families, loved ones and fellow officers of all fallen police officers.”
 
Audio and video of the Senators’ speeches are available upon request
 
The full text of the resolution follows
 
OFFICIAL TITLE AS INTRODUCED: A resolution honoring Washington State law enforcement officers who gave their lives in the line of duty in 2009
 
SHORT TITLE: Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial Resolution
 
RESOLUTION: Commemorating and celebrating the lives of Deputy Sheriff Stephen Michael Gallagher Jr., Officer Timothy Q. Brenton, Officer Tina G. Griswold, Officer Ronald Wilbur Owens II, Sergeant Mark Joseph Renninger, Officer Gregory James Richards, and Deputy Sheriff Walter Kent Mundell Jr. who gave their lives in the service of the people of Washington State in 2009.
 
Whereas law enforcement officers throughout Washington State conduct themselves in a manner that supports, maintains, and defends the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Washington;
Whereas law enforcement officers throughout the Nation and in Washington State risk their own lives to protect the lives of others;
 
Whereas since 1791, 20,146 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty in the United States and 270 of these officers served the people of Washington State;
 
Whereas in 2009, 126 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty in the United States;
 
Whereas in 2009, Deputy Sheriff Stephen Michael Gallagher Jr. of the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, Officer Timothy Q. Brenton of the Seattle Police Department, Officer Tina G. Griswold of the Lakewood Police Department, Officer Ronald Wilbur Owens II of the Lakewood Police Department, Sergeant Mark Joseph Renninger of the Lakewood Police Department, Officer Gregory James Richards of the Lakewood Police Department, and Deputy Sheriff Walter Kent Mundell Jr. of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department gave their lives in the service of the people of Washington State;
 
Whereas the family members and friends of Deputy Sheriff Stephen Michael Gallagher Jr., Officer Timothy Q. Brenton, Officer Tina G. Griswold, Officer Ronald Wilbur Owens II, Sergeant Mark Joseph Renninger, Officer Gregory James Richards, and Deputy Sheriff Walter Kent Mundell Jr. bear the most immediate and profound burden of the absence of their loved ones;
 
Whereas National Police Week is observed from May 9 to May 15, 2010, and is the most appropriate time to honor the Washington State law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in service to their State and Nation:
 
Now, therefore, be it
 
Resolved, That the Senate extends its condolences to the families and loved ones of Deputy Sheriff Stephen Michael Gallagher Jr., Officer Timothy Q. Brenton, Officer Tina G. Griswold, Officer Ronald Wilbur Owens II, Sergeant Mark Joseph Renninger, Officer Gregory James Richards, and Deputy Sheriff Walter Kent Mundell Jr., and stands with solidarity with the people of Washington State as they celebrate the lives, and mourn the loss of these remarkable and selfless heroes who represented the best of their community and whose memory will serve as an inspiration for future generations.
 
###