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.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. He was a great officer to work with. He tried his best to help keep my daughters and I informed and protected from an abusive ex. His family is in my thoughts and prayers. I realize it’s been a half a year since their loss but the first couple years are the hardest.
My sincere condolences to the Silva family and Chehalis PD.
he was a nice man great loss to our community. Godbless you sir
Very sad news, just spoke to him a few weeks ago about his up coming surgery. This is such a loss for our community.
Shara:
That is very nice of you to be able to say that even while arresting you Rick was caring and understanding. That says a lot of you and Rick.
wonder if the charges will be upgraded now?
Rick was one of the happiest, smiliest people I have ever met! Every time I saw him, it put a smile on my own face. I always told him he reminded me of my Uncle, because they could literally have been brothers–they looked so much alike and were both so charismatic. This loss makes me very sad; Rick was one of the great people in the world! Prayers to his family and friends and the Chehalis PD for their loss. Heaven gained an angel for sure.
Wow … he was a great guy . So sorry to hear his is gonna he rest in peace and prayers to his family. C.conrad
This is very sad, he always said Hi when we saw each other. When his daughter (she knows who she is) was a teenager and would take off without telling them, she quite often came to my house to hangout with my daughter. I would call him at home let him know where she was and would call again if she left before morning. I was happy to do it and she grew up to be a great lady and we are still friends. He will be missed.
God bless you Rick. You were a mentor to most and a inspiration to all.
Blessed are the peace keepers for they shall be called children of God.
Mathew 5:9
This is such sad news. Rick was a wonderful member of our community. Such a sad loss. His great smile and kindness will always be with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Officer Silva was a great police officer, but an even better man. I had the pleasure of working with him for the past 5 years and was there the night he was injured. He often talked about his pending retirement and when he did you could tell how excited he was to start the new chapter in his life. He will be greatly missed, my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. God bless you Officer Rick Silva #117 you will not be forgotten.
This is sad news granted the only times iv had contact with silva was when I was being arrested but even still he was kinda careing and understanding of my background im sorry to see such a good officer pass
Officer Silva was great person and officer. Had talked with many times in the Chehalis area and he was great person to talk to. He was always willing to help out in any way that he could within the law. Officer Silva will be missed on the streets. My prayers and thoughts are with the Silva family and with the law enforcement community. Thank you Officer Silva for the time you spent in law enforcement and for keeping the streets of Chehalis and Lewis County safe.