Story and Photos by Joseph Boyle
On November 29, 2011 at about 8:30 a.m. I met my good friend, Skip Miller, inside the Forza Coffee Shop located at 11401 Steele St, Tacoma, Washington.
We met at this particular location because it was inside this same coffee shop, just two years ago, that four of our Lakewood Police Officers were taken from us.
Skip and I each brought a bag of food for the Fallen Officers Food Drive that has been organized to honor the four slain officers. That act felt good.
It is truly a highly charged and emotional experience for us to sit inside this Forza Coffee Shop while reflecting on the price our four Lakewood Police Officers paid as they served the citizens of our community.
To be very open with you, it is now more than 12 hours since we met at Forza, yet I am fighting back my tears as I write this article.
There was a constant stream of police officers, fire fighters, 911 dispatchers, family and friends who came to remember this day.
Skip and I return to this place often, because it is our way of remembering and honoring our officers.
If you would like to honor Sergeant Mark Renninger, Officer Tina Griswold, Officer Ronnie Owens and Officer Greg Richards, one way to do so would be to help with the food drive.
Look for one of the Fallen Officer Food Drive signs depicted in my attached photo. They can be found at our libraries or any Forza Coffee Shop through December 5, 2011.
Thanks for the heartfelt article, Joe. I’d just like to add: food and monetary donations are also accepted at the Lakewood Police Station, 9104 Lakewood Dr SW (next to the Lakewood YMCA) and at the Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main St SW (across the street from the old Gottschalk’s in the Lakewood Town Center)up to December 5th. In Ronnie Owens’ words: let’s all “Make A Difference”!
Well done, Joe Boyle. I’m sending cash to EFN via the internet, but figure it’ll have the same effect as dropping it off in person. Stay safe, my friend!