Congressman Dave Reichert

Contact: Amanda Halligan (206) 275-3438

Mercer Island, WA, Nov 29 - Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) today issued the following statement regarding the tragic November 2009 attack and murder of four Lakewood police officers:

“A year has passed since these members of the law enforcement family were so suddenly and brutally taken from us, but our hearts are still heavy with mourning.  It is difficult for a community to fully recover anytime it loses someone who has committed their life to the service of others, but the senseless murders that occurred in Lakewood on November 29, 2009, were particularly tragic,” Reichert said.  “That morning, four Lakewood police officers were killed at a local coffee shop as they prepared for a day of routine patrols – preparing to protect the residents of the city from those who may have wished to do them harm.

“In the months that have passed since that horrific day, I have had the honor to attend their memorial service and welcome their families to Washington, D.C. during Police Week when their names were added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial.   Our delegation has worked with government officials and agencies to develop bipartisan legislation (H.R. 4969) that would update and improve the policies that regulate how states and law enforcement agencies work together to monitor the movement of criminals across jurisdictions, so a tragedy like this one doesn’t happen again.

“And while I’m confident the city of Lakewood and the region’s law enforcement family is moving toward healing from this tragic and senseless loss, this wound is deep and will be slow to heal.  In an instant, someone lost a daughter, son, husband, wife, father, mother, or friend.  It is up to all of us, all of us who knew the slain officers or simply respect the job they loved to do, to deeply appreciate and always remember their sacrifices.  They – as well as the families and the community they left behind – remain in my thoughts and prayers.”