Dedication to our fallen law enforement officers

by John L. Messina

On November 29th, the people of Pierce County will remember the first anniversary of the senseless assassination of four members of the Lakewood Police Department: Sgt. Mark Renninger and Officers Tina Griswold, Greg Richards, and Ronnie Owens.  They were sitting at their laptops in a Parkland coffee shop, awaiting the start of their shifts, when their killer walked in and summarily executed them.  In today's blog, we remember them and all the police officers in our state and country who put their lives on the line to ensure our safety and freedom. 

In 2009, 127 officers lost their lives in the line of duty.  The most common cause was death by gunfire.  To them, including the Lakewood Four, and all officers who spend their lives to preserve order and justice in our country, we dedicate this blog, and our November newsletter.

We at MBC have a long tradition of representing police officers in many contexts.  We are especially proud to be advocates for those who are there for all of us when the need arises.

In our contacts with many officers of Tacoma, Pierce County, and elsewhere, we have come to a greater realization and respect for what they do to serve and protect us all. They are the soldiers of civilization, the thin blue line that stands between us and the evils of society.  May God watch over them. 

If you'd like to find a way to help and serve our fallen officers, consider donating to the Behind the Badge Foundation.  The mission of Behind the Badge is to honor the sacrifices of officers who have suffered a line of duty death or catastrophic injury by:

• Serving as the trusted resource to families and surviving officers
• Providing immediate and ongoing support
• Maintaining the Law Enforcement Memorial as eternal recognition and remembrance for fallen Washington officers

Click here for more information and to donate.

This month Messina Bulzomi Christensen is honoring law enforcement officers in its Fall Newsletter.  The above blog is an editorial which will appear in that issue.  If you wish to receive the newsletter, please e-mail our newsletter coordinator at rl@messinalaw.com.