Local community and law enforcement reacts to Baton Rouge officer shootings
SEATTLE, Wash. -- Just one day after the last of five police officers were laid to rest, a gunman shoots and kills three police officers in Baton Rouge. These incidents are prompting law enforcement agencies around the country to take extra precautions, including in Western Washington.
A memorial is growing at the Bonney Lake Police Department, which originally started after the death of five officers in Dallas. Organizers say with what’s happened in Baton Rouge, they will be adding more candles and flowers and hope others will join them.
At the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, the flags fly at half-staff after the five officers in Dallas were shot and killed. Sheriff Paul Pastor said it will likely stay that way with the murder of three more officers in Baton Rouge.
“This is a murder of people who serve the public, and there’s something wrong with that,” said Pastor.
The Sheriff plans to address his deputies at roll call about where the agency stands in light of what’s happened. He says they will not be policing in fear.
“It can be dangerous, but we train our people and they have tremendous heart for what they do and they’ve got good training with their smarts, heart and dedication,” said Pastor. “They will be careful, and they will work to be safe.”
In Bremerton, Police Chief Steve Strachan says he will allow officers to take time away from work if they need. He's also asking them to be more careful when responding to scenes.
In Bonney Lake, Cheryl Laurendeau and Anne Tregilgus are showing their support for law enforcement.
“We just want to let them know we’re here, even if we’re the only two we’re here,” said Tregilgus.
The pair will be adding more to the memorial on Monday that they started at the Bonney Lake Police Department last week for the officers in Dallas.
“Contrary to what it seems like right now, there are more people who appreciate what they do than not,” said Laurendeau.
It’s this outpouring of support that Sheriff Pastor said keeps him and his deputies motivated.
“Trust in policing is very important and we need to work to earn the community’s trust and the community needs to work to earn our trust as well,” said Pastor.
It’s a trust they must find in the midst of violence, as they stand by their call to protect.
“It’s upsetting, it makes me sad, but it doesn’t change our mission and the way we approach that mission,” said Pastor.
Sheriff Pastor also wore a black band around his badge as a symbol of the officers lost in Dallas. He said It was supposed to come off Sunday, but after what happened in Baton Rouge, it will stay on for longer.