By Lt. Chris Lawler, Lakewood Police Department
November 29th, 2013 will mark the 4th anniversary of the murders of our four officers, Sergeant Mark Renninger, Officer Tina Griswold, Officer Greg Richards, and Officer Ronnie Owens. In years past, we have honored the fallen officers with a food drive at the Lakewood Police Station.
This year, the 29th falls on the day after Thanksgiving. In order to allow the families and department members time to spend with their families on the holiday, there will not be a food drive “day” at the station.
In partnership with Q13 Fox, Washington’s Most Wanted, Les Schwab Tire Centers, the Emergency Food Network and Food Life Line; the Fallen Officer Food Drive will still take place. Donations of non-perishable food items and/or cash can be made at the Lakewood Police Department or any Les Schwab Tire Center store beginning November 1st and lasting through November 22nd.
In the last four years the Fallen Officers Food Drive raised a generous $90,649.00 in cash donations and 115,962 pounds of food. The officers dedicated themselves to the community in life and now that dedication continues through this food drive. The goal for this year is $50,000 and 150,000 pounds of food.
This year’s Fallen Officer Food Drive is dedicated to the memory of Washington State Trooper Sean O’Connell, who was killed in the line of duty on May 31st, 2013. Trooper O’Connell was killed when his police motorcycle collided with a box truck in Skagit County.
We humbly and sincerely appreciate the community’s ongoing support for fallen officers everywhere and hope you will join us in making this another successful food drive.