On Tuesday, I was able to attend the Lakewood Police Memorial at the Tacoma Dome. The day was incredible. As Captain Hamilton warned me at the beginning of the day, I was going to experience moments of pure joy and pride, followed by moments of overwhelming sadness. He was so right.
Our day started very early, around 0600. We were up and getting ready to be at the PD for briefing by 0730. Matt got suited up in his Class A's (he looked so handsome) while I went to get coffee for us both. While waiting to be let in, I ran into another police wife, Molly, who was dressed in layers and double fisted with coffee, just like me. It was our first time meeting, and our first police funeral. We were both in for quite a day. We were ushered into the PD where I ran into Jenny, another police wife who was about to experience her first PD funeral too. We were brought to the former briefing room where we waited to hear who was riding with who, who was leading the procession and so on and so forth. One familiar face that I was very happy to see was Chaplain Bill Tate, who officiated our wedding. He greeted me with a smile and a joke, "nice to see you two still together!" One of the admin. assistants at the PD brought all the police spouses a little KPD pin with a mourning badge on it. I was proud to wear it. After being lead in a prayer, we all took off, bound for the memorial service. Matt and I were the tail car as we took to the roads in procession to 405.
Having only ridden in police cars for ride-alongs, I found it interesting to know that for once, I wouldn't be entering plates as we drove along. It was a somber day and even the chit-chat between Matt and I seemed more mellow and quiet than normal. As we drove in the carpool lane, I began to see the support from the community. People were rolling down their windows and waving and showing us the peace sign. It was incredibly touching and as it turned out, it was only the beginning of the support and generosity from the public that I'd see as the day progressed.
As we drove, we'd see the occasional law enforcement vehicle and they all would give a wave or a nod, as they all knew where we were going. Once we neared the Tacoma region, there were lines and lines of emergency vehicles, primarily police cruisers. I was astounded, not only by the amount of cars, but the locations of where cars were coming from..... We saw cars from California, Idaho, Oregon, cities I never heard of. There were police cars for miles! At one point, we couldn't see where the line stopped. After a while on the freeway, we were directed to McChord Air Force Base, where we were to line up for the procession. Driving on base was surreal, as were most parts of the day, one of the many memories that stand our in my mind is driving on base and driving under the ladder trucks at the entrance with the American flag hanging from them. A beautiful image that I took multiple pictures of.
We arrived at the base around 0900. We were able to get out and stretch our legs in hangar 9. They had refreshment areas set up and a table with water bottles and mini packets of tissue ready for us. I couldn't help but think how thoughtful that was. I did come equipped with half a roll of Charmin in my purse, but I grabbed tissues anyways. I stood in line with Molly and Jenny while we waited for the ladies’ room. Upon entering the hall way to the bathroom, I saw a nicely dressed blonde woman exit. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized who I was looking at. Lisa Brenton, the widow of Officer Tim Brenton of Seattle PD. The moment was brief but the image of this woman will forever be imprinted on my mind. I quickly told Jenny, "that’s Lisa Brenton!" We both looked at each other in shock, both knowing that we could never fathom what she's gone through. Lisa lost her husband just over a month ago, in a similar and hideous murder, and here she is, supporting the families of the fallen officers as they go through Hell, just like she did such a short time ago. Not only is she reliving a nightmare, she closed the Tim Brenton memorial fund and had funds redirected to the families of the Lakewood officers. This woman is my hero. In the midst of tragedy, she was able to be an inspiration and show an immense amount of support to these families. Incredible. (we ended up being parked one lane from the SUV Lisa was in, just surreal)
Our time on base lasted for 3 hours. There was a sea of police and fire vehicles like you couldn't believe. I think there were 30 lanes of cars that were 1/4 mile long each. We were able to walk around and look at other vehicles and chat with fellow officers and fellow spouses. We met some RCMPs (Royal Canadian Mountain Police "Mounties") who came from Saskatchewan. They were so nice to chat with. Not only did they comment on how sleek the Kirkland cruisers are (they are the neatest I've seen, and after yesterday, I saw a lot) they gave us RCMP pins to take home. Just neat people. I was amazed at how many people in uniform commented at how nice it was that I went to the service. The decision to go wasn't something that I even contemplated. I just went. I went to support Matt, other officers, be a support to the wives, and I felt that it was the only thing I could to for the families of the fallen.
We ran into officers and fire guys that Matt and I knew individually. Matt even saw a guy he went to the academy with who pepper sprayed himself. I ran into 2 firefighters that I work with who brought an engine down with them. It was neat to see so much EMS providers support the police. Mike and Luke let Matt climb on top of the engine and take some pictures. One in particular is funny, you don't really expect to see a police officer on top of a fire engine, let alone "rivaling" cities! :)
After hours on base, we finally saw some movement of vehicles. We waited a long time since we were the 2nd to last row of cars, but around 1345 or so, we finally got moving. The procession was amazing. Another never ending line of police cars with their lights on, it was beautiful both aesthetically and emotionally. Due to the overwhelming number of cars in the procession, we stopped at one point and we able to get out and look behind us to a sea of red and blue lights, it sparkled and shined and was stunning. From the time we left the base, there were people lining the sidewalks to show their appreciation to the officers. Their support moved me to tears. We saw people bundled up just watching us drive by. People waved, saluted, held their hand over their heart. Some audibly said thank you, some said thank you with signs and flags. Per normal, I had my camera capturing such beautiful moments. It was amazing to see the community come together to show their support. I was honored to be sitting next to my husband, a man who puts on a uniform and a police badge day in and day out to protect and serve. It was humbling to sit next to him as people thanked him for his service, I too thanked him.
We drove past the Lakewood memorial and it was stunning. We drove under bridges where people had congregated to see the procession from a bird's eye view. My heart pounded with anticipation as we neared the Tacoma Dome. I knew that my feelings of pride were soon going to be replaced with feelings of deep sorrow.
Upon finding parking at an off site garage, we walked to the memorial, passing the SWAT guys who had been geared up and ready to kick anyone's ass who made the wrong move, since 0300. These guys are the epitome of dedication. As we entered the Tacoma Dome, it was shocking how quiet it was. You could hear a pin drop. I tip toed thinking that the click from my boots (that I thoroughly regretted wearing) would be too noisy. You'd never think 20,000+ people could be so still and silent. We made our way to our seats to see that we were one row behind some Bellevue officers that we knew. Not only that, we were able to connect with some other KPD officers who had been working at traffic posts along the procession route. It was so unlikely to connect with people we knew in a setting of so many, but it was neat to sit with some friends. The memorial started in traditional fashion. There was a beautiful honor guard and displaying of the colors. The eerie sound of the bagpipes was incredible. I proudly stood with my hand over my heart while Matt and other officers saluted in respect during the Star Spangled Banner. It was a moment I'll never forget.
I was warned far in advance that there would be certain parts of the service that I'd have a hard time with, and some that I'd enjoy. One unique part of the service was when the Chief of Police of Lakewood asked all officers to stand and on the count of 3, say "Show me your hands". It was the loudest command I'd ever heard. Sitting on bleachers, not only was it loud and resonating, the sheer volume of thousands of officers yelling made the seat vibrate. It was pretty cool. Hearing a Lakewood Officer sing "The Dance" by Garth Brooks was very touching. It was sung beautifully, and it was emotional for all as he couldn't sing the last word, he simply said, "dance". I cried through the bagpipes playing Amazing Grace, I cried when the officer's friends and family shared memories about them, particularly when Officer Richards' kids spoke of their dad not seeing the point of being angry. I cried and laughed through the video montage of photos of the officers, boy, mullets were really in style long ago. :) Like many others I'm sure, I "lost it" when they did the final call. I knew it was coming, I prepared myself as best as I could, and while I stood, sobbing harder than I knew I could, I felt Matt's arm around me. It was a comfort even in such agony. I tried to stifle my sobs as I once again thought that my noise would be too disruptive. I cried so hard that my body ached afterwards. Hearing the last call was terrible, but hearing it 4 times in a row was gut wrenching. As I heard those words, I knew the end of the memorial was near and I felt some sense of relief. Before we knew it, we were standing as the caskets were lead out, followed by family. I felt such grief for these people I didn't know, yet there was a feeling of pride for my husband and our friends for doing the work they do.
It was a long and exhausting day, both physically and emotionally, but I couldn't be happier that I went to honor the fallen officers and support Matt and our extended family.
I will hold the families of Sgt. Renninger, Officers Brenton, Griswold, Owens, and Richards in my heart and prayers. May they all rest in peace, knowing justice will be served.
