Governor Gary Locke’s Remarks
Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial Dinner
September 11, 2004

Good evening. I am honored to be here.

It is fitting that we gather on this fateful date. A date of unforgettable courage and sacrifice, and many, many heroes.

The Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial will honor similar heroes. The Memorial is for the 275 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty in our state since 1853. Most recently, Sergeant Brad Crawford of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. Sergeant Crawford was killed just six weeks ago, trying to stop an armed, suicidal suspect. Our prayers go out to his wife Linda, and their five children.

All of Washington’s fallen officers were people who cared about their families and friends. People who cared about their communities. People with hopes and dreams. People like you and me.

Their lives ended as they worked to make sure that our lives would continue safely. These heroes answered the solemn, sacred call of duty, and paid the ultimate price. With love of others in their hearts and courage in their souls, they entered the valley of death. For all of us.

I have proudly stood behind this project, secured funding for it in our state budget and supported finding a location on the Capitol campus because it is the right thing to do. Because we owe so much to those who have given the ultimate for us.

I want to thank all of you who join in support of the Law Enforcement Memorial. The Memorial will be a respectful way to show that we will never forget our fallen officers. And a timeless expression of our gratitude for their noble contribution to a better, safer, more humane world.

Thank you.