November 29 2009. I was driving home that day when I got a call from a friend saying 4 Lakewood P.D. Officers were killed.

I never met Tina or Ronnie, but knew Greg personally and Mark when I was teaching at the academy.

I remember as a young cop sitting through OIS talks, about what one would go through during and especially after. When I was involved in my first one...I never saw or experienced any of the things they outlined...thought there was something wrong with me.

Subsequent OISs, still nothing. I'd go home have tomato soup and toasted cheese. Never any dreams, flashbacks etc., nothing just moved on and off to another day...as I always thought those things are unfortunately part of the job...accept it, or find something else to do.

But I do find myself grieving for those EOW Officers...wondering what led up to it, actions, inaction etc. If they were trained differently or more of it, would that change the outcome. If there were others around them with certain level of training...the thoughts are endless. Not second guessing their actions…just pondering…

I was in attendance at the Tacoma Dome, and did fine until the bagpipes. The player as I recall never entered the main area, but stayed back in the hall and let that graceful song reverberate throughout...I've never attended another EOW...nor will I.

Is there something wrong with us? Nah...we were especially wired for the job.

Yes…there is a heaven…embrace it.

Godspeed Mark, Greg, Tina and Ronnie...in eternal peace.

That was a sad day indeed. Thanks for reminding us of that tragedy. lest we forget.

It was definitely a sad day when that happened l. I believe that the judicial branch of our government did not do their job and the blood of these officers is on their hands.

I’m a babbling 2 year old when I hear bagpipes.

I lived a few miles away from that coffee shop. Recidivism is out of control, we have light sentences for repeat offenders.

sad day indeed. I lived a few miles from there and half way from the sheriffs station, sirens after sirens knew it wasn't good.



I don't think anything in their training good have prevented this, one reason I always try and face the door when I go out.

Our neighbors from the North were well represented that day.

Plenty of red uniforms...RCMP's

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Steve.

That was one of those rare times when we all pull together. Seems less and less likely that this will be the case next time a tragedy like this occurs.

Echoes my thoughts and I suspect you are way too likely to be correct.