Family of fallen deputy describes pain as 'unbearable', thanks public for support

YELM, Wash. -- For the first time we are hearing from a relative of fallen Pierce County sheriff's deputy Daniel McCartney.

The married father of three was killed after responding to a home-invasion robbery in Frederickson late Sunday night.

On Thursday, a relative thanked the community for the outpouring of support.

Kory Honea, an uncle to McCartney's wife, Cierra, is a sheriff from California who traveled to Western Washington and read a family statement to the media in Yelm, where the McCartneys live. He read the statement on behalf of Cierra.

“Losing Daniel ripped a gaping hole in our lives. We will never be the same. There is no words to adequately describe what an amazing person he was. In addition to protecting his community, Daniel was a godly man, a loving husband, a devoted father and a loyal friend to so many. The grief we are experiencing is almost unbearable."



Honea said McCartney’s passion for law enforcement never waned. He called the 34-year-old a hero who died protecting his community.

McCartney leaves behind three sons, and Honea said they are too young to grasp the gravity and finality of what happened to their father.

The family is thanking the community for all of the donations, flowers and cards. Honea ssaid all of those messages will get to Cierra and will be a source of strength for the family.

Honea said another way individual members of the public can help is to thank a law enforcement officer the next time they see one and to respect the work and sacrifice they make for the community.

Gov. Jay Inslee is asking that all flags be lowered to half-staff next Wednesday, Jan. 17, in honor of McCartney. His memorial service is being held that day.