May 13, 2010

I am Pat McCarthy, Pierce County Executive. I am here on behalf of the 813,000 county residents who lost five protectors during those dark days in November and December.

I am honored to be here, and I applaud the good people who put this program together.

As you will hear today, it's important that we take every opportunity to thank our law enforcement community, and their families.

The loss of the four Lakewood officers and Pierce County Sheriff's Deputy Kent Mundell shook us all. It shook us to our very core.

We wondered how such evil could exist in our community. We still do not have answers to that question, and we probably never will.

However, as is often the case with human nature, these tragedies served to bring us closer as a community.

We were all filled with amazement and pride to see the Tacoma Dome packed to the rafters with uniformed officers from across the continent.

It was inspiring to see thousands of Pierce County residents line the streets to pay their respects. Complete strangers tearfully came together to show the law enforcement community that we value their service, and that the risks they face on a daily basis are not taken for granted.

As I said during the memorial service for Deputy Mundell, Pierce County government is like a family. The 3,000 employees of the county grieved for Kent, his wife Lisa, and their children, Kirsten and Austin.

Lisa is also a valued county employee. She recently returned to work. And I know that her colleagues in the Budget and Finance Department will continue to surround her with love and support.

Pierce County suffered a related tragedy during these events.

Richelle Heacock is the daughter of Sheriff Deputy John Heacock. Richelle was on her way home to attend Kent Mundell's memorial service when she was involved in a car accident that left her paralyzed from the chest down.

What followed was more of the inspirational response we've come to expect in this community.

Hundreds of friends, relatives and total strangers raised money and built an addition to the home. Thanks to that generous show of support, Richelle has her own private living space, as well as room for the rehabilitation equipment she needs.

Finally, you may have seen the recent news that Sergeant Nick Hausner has returned to duty in the Mountain Detachment in Eatonville. Nick was seriously wounded in the ambush that cost Kent Mundell his life.

We are deeply grateful that Nick is recovering. It speaks volumes about his character and moral compass that he is eager to get back on the streets of Pierce County to resume his duty as a protector. He is in Washington, DC, right now for the national remembrance ceremony.

Today, I join you in honoring the fallen Lakewood officers, Deputy Kent Mundell, Sergeant Nick Hausner - and their families.

This service is an appropriate tribute to the men and women who keep us safe.

Going forward, the challenge is to make sure we demonstrate our appreciation and respect every single day.

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