Deadly violence against law enforcement having an effect - KIRO Seattle
The recent spate of violence directed at law enforcement is sending a chill through that tight-knit community.
It comes as the state legislature this year appropriated $2.5 million to provide additional wellness care for officers and deputies across the state.
Exactly a week ago, Everett officer Dan Rocha was killed while Pierce County was saying goodbye to Deputy Dom Calata.
Since then, there has been an outpouring of support from the citizens of Everett to their fallen officer.
But the impact of all of this is being felt acutely by those in law enforcement and anyone who cares about them.
It is, by now, a familiar sight in Western Washington. This time it’s the city of Everett showing its heartfelt support for an officer killed in a violent attack on duty.
“Oh, yeah, they’re all hurting,” said Byllie Ricketts, “and their wives, too.”
Ricketts has been here many times this week. She says the recent violence toward those sworn to protect and serve is misplaced.
“I mean I’ve met 200 or 300 of them,” said Ricketts. “And they’re very kind. And they love the community.”
“It becomes sort of overwhelming,” said former Bremerton police officer Steve Strachan.
He says everyone who wears the uniform knows theirs is a dangerous job. But Strachan, now the executive director of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, says hardly anyone in law enforcement is prepared for so much violence toward them in two short weeks.
And this show of support matters.
“At times like this when everyone is feeling raw and exhausted,” said Strachan, “and it takes that support from the community to sort of get everybody through it.”
In mid-March, Pierce County deputy Dom Calata was killed, his partner badly hurt; while Everett officer Dan Rocha and off-duty Edmonds officer Tyler Steffins were killed this week. Then on Thursday night, two Olympia officers were stabbed.
Strachan blames several factors.
“Law enforcement’s understaffed,” he said. “Tremendous amount of stress, concerns about the environment out there in terms of emboldened criminals.”
He says the legislature’s allocation of taxpayer money toward the mental health of deputies and officers will help alleviate the pain.
But everyone can play a role.
“Reaching out, saying ‘hey, we’re thinking of you; hey, we support you; hey, how are you doing? And make sure you stay safe,’” he said. “It’s appreciated.”
Of course, that is what this community has been doing over this very sad week.
Now people here are making plans to say a final goodbye to this officer, killed just one week ago.
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