The Klein Family: Fallen Heroes

Monday, December 28, 2009

Fallen Heroes

This evening Pierce County Sheriff's Deputy Walter "Kent" Mundell died. He was shot a week ago and had been in Critical Condition ever since. On Monday December 21, he and his partner Sergeant Nicholas Hausner responded to a domestic call in Eatonville. The situation went bad and both officers were shot. Deputy Mundell took several shots and was able to shoot back and kill the man that had shot them. Sgt Hausner was able to go home Christmas Eve, but before he went home he went to Harborview Medical Center to visit his partner.

On November 29, 4 Lakewood Police Officers were ambushed and killed. Sergeant Mark Renninger, Officer Ronald Owen, Officer Tina Griswold and Officer Greg Richards were slain in a coffee shop while preparing for their shift.

On October 31, Officer Timothy Brenton of the Seattle Police Department was killed in a drive by shooting. His partner, officer trainee Britt Sweeney was injured during the incident.

On August 18, Lewis County Sheriff's Deputy Stephen "Mike" Gallagher died after a car accident. He was heading to back up another deputy on a domestic violence call when his car hit an Elk on Highway 12.

These men and women gave their lives in the line of duty. I have law enforcement officers and fire fighters in my family and I worry about them every time I hear about a shooting or injury. The 7 left behind spouses, children and other family members. I can't imagine what they are all going through, especially during the holiday season.

I would like to ask each of you to remember not only these fallen heroes, but the other law enforcement officers and fire fighters that work to protect us and keep us safe every hour of the day, every day of the year. Please pray for them and their families. Whenever you need to call 911, these men and women are ready for us and for our families.

Please take a moment, the next time you see a fire fighter, or law enforcement officer, tell them thank you. They have recently lost their brothers and sister and they are mourning the loss as well. I have so much respect for them. I hope that someday there will be a time when I can do something for them.