Thousands mourn WSP trooper Brent Hanger who died on duty

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) — Thousands of people joined representatives from dozens of law enforcement agencies at a memorial for a Washington State Trooper who died while on duty

Brent L. Hanger died Aug. 6 from a medical emergency while investigating a marijuana grow operation near Yakima. He had complained of chest pains and shortness of breath.

The Skagit Valley Herald reports that mourners crowded a service Tuesday at Dave DuVall Pavilion at Skagit Valley College.

State Patrol Chief John Batiste said the agency was "stronger and much better for having" Hanger.

Q13 FOX photo

Hanger was hired by the state patrol in 1998 and spent his entire career based in Whatcom County, but also worked in Skagit, Island and Snohomish counties.

He received an award of merit for helping to save the life of a suicidal person in 2000.

He is survived by his wife and six children.