By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office Association is inviting the public to the unveiling and dedication ceremony of the memorial statue for local law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.
The event takes place at 1 p.m. on Thursday outside the entryway to the Law and Justice Center in Chehalis, on West Main Street.
Local artist Jim Stafford was selected to create a bronze statue of a law enforcement officer, police K-9 dog and child. The piece is entitled “The Guardian”
Fundraising efforts have been in place for about the past three years. According to to information on the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office web site, a $10,000 donation pledge toward the cost came from the Lewis County Sheriff’s office Deputies Guild.
A reception will immediately follow.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
A Widow places a rose in the hands of a Deputy to place on the base in honor of her late husband who died in the line of duty, and not even an update?!?
“Deputized Civilian John M. Haney. He was accidentally shot by fellow officers while trying to arrest the protesters that killed four soldiers during the Armistice Day parade in Centralia on Nov 15, 1919.”
*CORRECTION:
John M. Haney was murdered by the Centralia Police Department because he threatened to reveal that the soldiers in the parade were shot by thugs from the American Legion. This criminal mass-murder was used as an excuse to attack and murder IWW Union members (not protestors).
Most people of Lewis County don’t realize it, but there have been a few Lewis County officers that have died in the line of duty. The last was:
Deputy Michael Gallagher Jr. As a result of a car accident while going to assist another officer on Au 18, 2009.
Deputy Richard A. snider. Dep Snider suffered a heart attack just after struggling with a prisoner at the Lewis County Jail on Feb 8, 1986.
Lewis County Jail officer Ernest Runke. Dep Runke was assaulted at the jail resulting in his death on 9-19-1957.
Deputy Seth R. Jackson. Shot while trying to apprehend robbery suspects on Apr 7, 1937.
Deputized Civilian John M. Haney. He was accidentally shot by fellow officers while trying to arrest the protesters that killed four soldiers during the Armistice Day parade in Centralia on Nov 15, 1919.
Centralia Police Officer William H. Smith. Struck by a train while on duty Dec 23, 1910.
Centralia Marshall James C.A. Parsons. Shot while attempting to arrest a man for talking obscenely to children Jun 30, 1903.
I hope that the names of these fallen officers are on the memorial.
Plus I did not report on any State Officers who may have died in Lewis County because the place of death was not given, so I couldn’t tell if any were in Lewis County.
This is great! I think it’s a great idea, however flawed most peoples opinion of the police are. Maybe this county will step up more towards child abuse! But it is a wonderful tribute to not only fallen officers, but K-9’s as well. Etc. Lovely thing. I hope people attend this!