Today, there was a memorial for 4 fallen police officers who were killed 9 days ago while starting their Sunday morning shift at a coffee shop. A man, who was released from prison only one week before, entered the cafe (located in Lakewood, Washington) and shot each officer in cold blood. They've been calling it an ambush. The murderer got away, but was finally shot and killed 2 days later during a routine check of a stolen car. The police force and other governmental agencies in the area have been on high alert ever since the attack and thousands of people in the community have come out to support the process. The sheer number of officers and participants who attended the memorial has been incredible to watch (it's being broadcast on all major stations). Men and women in uniform traveled across the country from Canada, New York, Illinois, Montana, Arkansas, Massachusetts (etc), people and children missed work and school to come to Tacoma to pay their respects to the fallen officers. The news just reported that the 23,000 seats in the venue was not enough to hold all of the law officers and community members who wanted to express their grief and show their support. Apparently, the processional was 10 miles long with police cars and fire trucks. The 4 officers left behind 9 kids, 3 spouses, and many friends and family. Completely and utterly tragic. This is coming less than a month after another Seattle police officer was killed in an intentional ambush on the night of Halloween. A few local restaurants (Papa John's and Ivar's Seafood) are donating 100% of their proceeds from today and, in some cases, tomorrow to the Lakewood Police Independent Guild Charity Fund to go towards the families of the fallen officers.
Rest in Peace, officers. Thank you for your service.
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