Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 5, 2003
Contact:  Michael Marchand, Governor’s Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Awards Three with Law Enforcement Medal of Honor

Gov. Gary Locke today awarded three law enforcement officers with the state’s highest law enforcement distinction, the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor. Joining the governor to present the awards was state Attorney General Christine Gregoire.

“Today we pay tribute to three men who embody the solemn oath to uphold our laws, liberties and communities, even at the expense of their own personal well-being,” Locke said. “Each recipient is richly deserving of this honor and our heartfelt appreciation.”

The annual honor recognizes exceptionally meritorious conduct, serious injury or death in the line of duty. This year’s recipients were:

Deputy Richard Herzog, King County Sheriff’s Office (Posthumously) - Deputy Herzog was killed in the line of duty last June 23 by a mentally ill man who had been running in and out of traffic in Newcastle. Herzog’s wife, Sun Cha, accepted the medal on her husband’s behalf. She was joined by their two teenage daughters, Sonja and Erika.

Sergeant Larry Evans, Spokane Police Department - In December 2001, Sergeant Evans entered a burning house twice to rescue two people who were trapped inside. Evans began his service career in 1973.

Trooper Elliott George, Washington State Patrol - Trooper George pulled an accident victim from a burning car on I-5 in Milton last August 5. He began his service as a cadet in 1997 and was commissioned in 1999.

Former recipients Officer John Markus of the Prosser Police Department and Officer Christopher Martinez of the Union Gap Police Department presented the Medal of Honor Ceremonial Wreath in recognition of past and present honorees.

Candidates for this honor are nominated by their respective law enforcement agencies. All nominations are reviewed and approved by the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor committee. The committee represents the Office of the Governor, Office of the Attorney General, the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, the Washington State Troopers Association, the Washington State Law Enforcement Association, and the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs.

The Law Enforcement Medal of Honor was established by the state Legislature in 1994. There have been 213 honorees since its inception.

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