Lewis County Sirens.com

Many came to Chehalis today to pay tribute to Officer Rick Silva.

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – It began with a procession of pipes and drums and ended with the mournful bugle call of taps.

And in between, the ceremony was attended to by an honor guard of innumerable law enforcement officers.

Rick Silva
1954 – 2015

The main sections of bleachers on both sides of the W.F. West High School gym were mostly filled, as were row upon row of chairs holding family, friends, police officers and others mourners today for Chehalis Police Department Officer Rick Silva.

Silva, 61, of Chehalis, died last week after complications from surgery for an on-the-job injury. His line-of-duty death memorial service followed a 27-year career.

Among the speakers were his chief, the Lewis County sheriff and the Chehalis mayor, who told those gathered of a respected and well-liked officer who treated others with dignity.

“And one thing I’ll always remember is that ever-ready and completely genuine smile Rick had,” Chehalis Mayor Dennis Dawes said.

Dawes was deputy chief of police when he hired Silva in 2002, from the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office where Silva started in 1988.

Attendees at the reception that followed were able to watch a video presentation, some with partially tear-filled eyes, even Chehalis Police Chief Glenn Schaffer.

“We’ll miss him,’ Schaffer said.
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For background, read “Chehalis police mourn loss of veteran officer” from Friday June 19, 2015, here

Interstate 5 is closed for hours and traffic diverted as responders deal with multiple injuries and a death on the roadway in Napavine today. / Courtesy photo by Alicia Meehan

By Sharyn  L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

One person was killed, one seriously injured and four others hospitalized after a Ford Explorer struck a disabled car being pushed across Interstate 5 at Napavine today.

Troopers, firefighters and medics called at 12:40 p.m. to the northbound lanes found the disabled blue Mustang had come to rest in the ditch facing the wrong way, and the entire roadway blocked. The freeway was not reopened for three and half hours.

According to the Washington State Patrol, the 1988 Mustang driven by a 23-year-old man from Redmond experienced mechanical issues and stopped on the left shoulder, but was partially blocking the fast lane.

A yellow Ford Mustang pulled over in front of the car to help. The good samaritan – traveling with his family – and the 23-year-old were attempting to push the car to the right shoulder when the northbound Explorer struck the good samaritan and the back of the car, according to the state patrol.

Members of Lewis County Fire District 5, District 6 and AMR responded to treat and transport patients, District 5 Firefighter Brad Bozarth said.

Deceased at the scene was Miguel A. Melendez, 39, from Everson, according to the state patrol.

Bozarth said the victim’s wife, while not directly involved in the collision, needed to be evaluated and was among those taken to Providence Centralia Hospital.

One critical patient, the driver of the disabled Mustang, was transported there as well, Bozarth said. He is Ezekiel T. Smith, 23, of Redmond, the investigating trooper reports.

The state patrol states the driver of the Explorer, 68-year-old Dale R. Demarais, of Marysville, was unhurt. However, three of his passengers, one of whom is an infant, were taken to Providence with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Bozarth.

No charges are expected, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Both vehicles were declared totaled. It happened just south of the milepost 72 interchange.

Update on Friday June 26, 2015 at 9 a.m.: Smith was treated and has been released from the hospital.

By Sharyn  L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – He lost part of one leg and underwent skin grafts, but Edward Jerns survived the September explosion of his camper in Napavine.

He lost his mother on Christmas Day, was unable to return to his job at Chehalis Sheet Metal, but the 60-year-old was determined he would do what he could to regain the life he had.

After treatment at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for months, and more time convalescing in Seattle and then a Centralia nursing home, Jerns told his doctor he planned to drive again.

Daniel L. Norby

He said the doctor refused to release him unless he took a driver’s test to renew his license.

Because of the prosthetic leg, he could only operate a vehicle with an automatic transmission. When he went to the Department of Licensing office on Kresky Avenue in Centralia on April 23, he was told to wait outside and an examiner would be right out to take him on the driving test.

Jerns had the misfortune to be the victim of a 47-year-old Chehalis man behind him in line who, for whatever reason, followed him outside, got into the passenger seat and impersonated a driving examiner.

Daniel L. Norby managed to direct Jerns to the Lucky Eagle Casino, talk him into trading him coats and steal some 1,000 to $1,200 cash from the pocket before Jerns realized something was very wrong.

“I just want you to know how it feels to rob a poor old crippled man,” Jerns said today as he faced Norby in a courtroom.

The 60-year-old had wheeled his new walker right up to the judge, and then turned sideways to speak to the defendant.

Jerns had just cashed his social security check that day, and the cash was every cent he had, he said.

“I had to go to ask friends, for help,” he said. “I hope you have a long time to think about this; don’t do it ever again.”

Norby pleaded guilty earlier this month to criminal impersonation and second-degree theft, as well as second-degree burglary from another incident that was combined for a plea agreement.

Lewis County Superior Court Judge James Lawler could have sentenced him to as much as 68 months in prison, but the deputy prosecutor and defense attorney asked for 29 months. And they asked it be served as what’s called a prison-based drug alternative sentencing option.

Defense attorney David Arcuri went to great lengths to persuade the judge to go along.

His client first started abusing drugs at age 9, with his father, Arcuri said.

“It’s truly not an excuse, but if you look at Mr. Norby’s history, it’s all theft and drugs,” Arcuri said. He called his client’s actions an incredibly stupid way to commit a crime.

Norby would get roughly 29 months, but would be eligible for release after about 20 months, and then would be closely supervised afterward, with treatment and a chance to get clean, according to Arcuri.

“Residential prison DOSA’s, they monitor people,” Arcuri told the judge. “I think it’s the best thing DOC does.”

Norby took up the judge on his offer to speak on his own behalf, and apologized to Jerns.

“I’ve got grandkids now, this is my last chance,” he told the judge.

Judge Lawler reluctantly agreed, but warned Norby if he came back before him with another crime, the result would be as much time as he could possibly give him.

Lawler made a finding that chemical dependency contributed to the crimes, and he ordered Norby to pay $2,400 in fines and fees, at a rate of $25 per month. He would have to repay the victim for the money he took too.

Jerns was smiling when the hearing was over, as he described how he wasn’t scared by the ordeal, and how it fit in with the rest of the challenges he’s faced the past several months.

“I’m Catholic, you know,” he said. “God only puts on your shoulders what you can handle. He’s pushing a load.”

Jerns’ new driver’s license was issued on May 1, and he’s back at his home on West Branch Street in Napavine.

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For background, read, “Police: Impostor arrested after driving test includes stop at Lucky Eagle” from Wednesday April 29, 2015, here

By Sharyn  L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – Drink up. Water, that is.

That’s the message from local fire departments who want members of the public to stay well as temperatures are expected to climb into the 90s.

“During hot weather it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water,” members of Lewis County FIre District 6 offer as their number one hot weather health tip.

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Adults should plan to drink 10 to 15 eight ounce glasses of water to remain well hydrated, not including soda pop, according to the Lewis County Public Fire Educators Group.

Getting, and retaining, plenty of fluid can be your first and best defense against the affects of prolonged heat exposure, the group says.

The National Weather Service this afternoon warns that hot weather is expected Friday and into early next week in Western Washington. Saturday is likely to be the hottest day, they say. Even overnight temperatures are expected to remain warm.

The weather service issued an excessive heat watch today for counties south of us and in the eastern portion of  Pacific County, potentially hitting 100 degrees.

Riverside Fire Authority Assistant Chief Rick Mack and Newaukum Valley Fire and Rescue’s Lt. Laura Hanson remind residents that staying cool – by avoiding heavy exertion and by remaining inside an air conditioned area – will help the body retain its needed fluid.

And don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink, they recommend.

These are steps people can take to allow their body’s natural cooling mechanism, sweat, to work, they say.

The Lewis County Public Fire Educators Group is newly formed by the Lewis County Fire Chief’s Association and working to educate as many Lewis County citizens as possible on common themes of fire and life safety prevention, according to Mack.

They suggest folks check on at-risk family members and friends frequently during the heat wave.

Firefighters of District 6 today additionally remind the public that temperatures inside parked cars can rise very quickly to deadly levels, so people should avoid leaving children and pets unattended in vehicles.

They all recommend wearing sunscreen outside.

It’s a health issue.

The Public Fire Educators want individuals to be able to enjoy the summer weather without the harmful effects of heat-related illnesses.

Here’s what they say to watch for:

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
• Heavy sweating
• Weakness
• Cold, pale, clammy skin
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Nausea, vomiting
• Fainting

Heat exhaustion may require medical attention, but, if recognized early, can be reversed with hydration and cooling.

Signs and symptoms of heat stroke include:
• High body temperature above 103 degrees
• Hot, red, dry or moist skin
• Rapid strong pulse
• Possible unconsciousness

Heat stroke is a true medical emergency that will most often require hospitalization.

Updated

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

An 11-year-old girl is dead after an ATV driven by her step-sister flipped on a trail at a private campground near Salkum.

She was a passenger on the quad, and after it wrecked, the sister ran back to camp as much as a mile away to get help, according to responders.

It happened around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Cowlitz Timber Trails on the 1900 block of Spencer Road along the Cowlitz River, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Stacy Brown said the 11-year-old driver said they had come to a sharp corner, and though they weren’t going very fast, she knew the ATV was going to flip and told her sister to jump. She didn’t jump and the ATV ended up on its side with the passenger’s head pinned beneath one tire, fender and rail, Brown said.

The 11-year-old driver ran back to the campground to get help and when a resident of the campground arrived to the victim, the child wasn’t breathing, according to Brown.

Both had been wearing helmets, Brown said.

Multiple members of Lewis County Fire District 8 responded to the 5:08 p.m. call to the scene, found adults performing CPR on the girl and took over, transporting her to Morton General Hospital.

Fire Chief Duran McDaniel said they called for airlift, while other responders retrieved the 11-year-old driver from the camp for her suspected injuries.

Both girls ended up at the Morton Hospital. Airlift wasn’t needed. Brown said the driver’s injuries were very minor.

The girls are from Graham, according to Brown.

Chehalis Police Officer Rick Silva

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – Chehalis Police Officer Rick Silva died last night, after complications from surgery for an on-the-job injury.

“Officer Silva’s passing leaves us all without his infectious smile, his playful sense of humor, his passion for justice, and his generosity, as he was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need,” the department announced today. “Our lives have been enriched just through the joy of knowing him.”

The veteran officer died at Providence Centralia Hospital one day shy of his 13th anniversary with the department, according to department public information Officer Linda Bailey.

Silva sustained a hip injury on duty and this past February the injury was exacerbated when he made contact with a retail theft suspect who resisted arrest, according to Bailey.

Bailey stated Silva was beloved not just by his family, fellow officers and co-workers, but also by the many, many people in the community whose lives he touched.

His law enforcement career began in 1988 at the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office and in 2002, he went to work for Chehalis.

At the Chehalis Police Department, he served in multiple capacities over the years, including field training officer, emergency vehicle operations course instructor and detective.

His body was escorted at 3 o’clock this morning from the hospital to a local funeral home by a motorcade that included officers from Chehalis and other local law enforcement agencies as well as fire department and aid crew personnel, according to Bailey.

Details regarding a traditional, public line of-duty death funeral service to honor Officer Silva will be released next week as soon as they are available.

The Chehalis Police Department thanks those who have reached out.

“We are so grateful for the support already shown to us by nearby first responders and the Chehalis community at large,” Bailey wrote. “We will miss our brother in blue. 117.”

The department notes that United Way has set aside a Fallen Hero’s Memorial Fund at Security State Bank for those wishing to make contributions in honor of Officer Silva.

Kenneth Hamilton

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CENTRALIA – More than 100 people gathered together at a Centralia park to remember the 9-year-old boy who died unexpectedly last week.

Kenneth Hamilton was described as an always happy, always smiling child.

“He was just a joy to be around, all the children felt it,” his second-grade teacher Jane King said.

King, and one of Kenneth’s other teachers at Jefferson Lincoln Elementary School, Wendy Gates, were among those who paid tribute to the son of Piper Young and Tom Hamilton at Schaeffer Park late yesterday afternoon.

“What do we know about our boy Kenny?” the minister asked after offering words of comfort and prayers.

He didn’t like naps when he was little, would have played in his neighbor’s pool indefinitely if allowed and was honest to a fault, family members and neighbors shared.

What caused his death is unknown.

Firefighters and police responded to an approximately 10:20 a.m. 911 call last Wednesday to a home on the 300 block of North Diamond Street regarding the child who was found unresponsive in bed by his mother. He was transported to Providence Centralia Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Centralia Police Department Detective Patti Finch noted he’d undergone a recent medical procedure. Nothing was obviously suspicious at the scene, but anytime a child dies unexpectedly, police will get involved and investigate the circumstances, according to Finch.

He wasn’t sick, his mother said, but still home recovering from having his tonsils taken out six days earlier.

“He was up and about, the swelling was pretty much gone, and his voice was starting to come back,” she said.

Kenneth leaves behind five siblings.

Jefferson Lincoln Elementary School Principal David Eacker was among those present to honor the 9-year-old’s memory at the north Centralia park.

Informing Kenny’s classmates was difficult, Eacker said. There are just almost no words to explain it, he said.

Former neighbor Heather Bodin addressed the group, on behalf of her 8-year-old granddaughter, a third-grader at the same school.

“She can’t understand how someone her age could have to go to heaven,” she said.

Lewis County Coroner Warren McLeod said yesterday it will be weeks before he knows the cause of Kenneth’s death, because he is waiting for the results of various tests from the autopsy.
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For background, read “News brief: Police investigating death of little boy in Centralia” from Wednesday June 10, 2015, here