(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced a Senate Resolution that extends the Senate’s condolences to the families of Lakewood Police Department Sergeant Mark Renninger and Officers Tina Griswold, Ronald Owens, Greg Richards.
The resolution also states that the U.S. Senate “stands with the people of Lakewood, Washington, the men and women of the Lakewood Police Department, and members of the entire law enforcement community as they celebrate the lives and mourn the loss of these dedicated public servants and law enforcement heroes.”
In speeches on the floor of the U.S. Senate yesterday Senators Murray and Cantwell paid tribute to the lives of the four officers and complemented the bravery of Washington state officers who risked their own lives in the successful search to find the man accused of this killing:
“No words are adequate to express the shock, anger and disbelief that comes with such a brutal crime,” said Senator Murray. “And no words will be enough to lessen the loss. Our law enforcement professionals put themselves between us and danger every day. Right now, in light of such horrible events, we hold them even closer in our thoughts and prayers.” – Full remarks
“The men and women in blue who keep our communities safe make tremendous sacrifices daily, and so do their families,” said Senator Cantwell. “The senseless tragedy that claimed their lives of these four officers Sunday – the deadliest police shooting in Washington state history – reminds us of the risk that police officers take every time they put on a badge. Our hearts go out to the families of the fallen and the entire Lakewood community.” – Cantwell’s full remarks
The resolution is expected to pass the Senate today.
The full text of the Resolution follows (pdf version):
111TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION S. RES. ll
Extending condolences to the families of Sergeant Mark Renninger, Officer Tina Griswold, Officer Ronald Owens, and Officer Greg Richards.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
Mrs. MURRAY (for herself and Ms. CANTWELL) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on
RESOLUTION
Extending condolences to the families of Sergeant Mark Renninger, Officer Tina Griswold, Officer Ronald Owens, and Officer Greg Richards.
Whereas on the morning of November 29, 2009, 4 members of the Lakewood Police Department were slain by gunfire in a senseless act of violence while preparing for their shift in Lakewood, Washington;
Whereas the 4 officers have been members of the Lakewood Police Department since its founding 5 years ago, were valuable members of the community, and were deeply respected for their service;
Whereas Sergeant Mark Renninger, who served 13 years in law enforcement, first with the Tukwila Police Department and most recently with the Lakewood Police Department, is survived by his wife and 3 children;
Whereas Officer Tina Griswold, who served 14 years in law enforcement, first with the Lacey Police Department and most recently with the Lakewood Police Department, is survived by her husband and 2 children;
Whereas Officer Ronald Owens, who served 12 years in law enforcement, first with the Washington State Patrol and most recently with the Lakewood Police Department, is survived by his daughter;
Whereas Officer Greg Richards, who served 8 years in law enforcement, first with the Kent Police Department and most recently with the Lakewood Police Department, is survived by his wife and 3 children;
Whereas the senseless violence against and murder of law enforcement officers, who are sworn to serve, protect, and preserve the peace of the communities, is a particularly heinous crime; and
Whereas in the face of this senseless tragedy, the people of the City of Lakewood, the surrounding communities, and the State of Washington have come together in support of the law enforcement community and the families of the victims: Now, therefore, be it
1 Resolved, That the Senate—(1) extends its condolences to the families of Sergeant Mark Renninger, Officer Tina Griswold, Officer Ronald Owens, and Officer Greg Richards; and (2) stands with the people of Lakewood, Washington, the men and women of the Lakewood Police Department, and members of the law enforcement community as they celebrate the lives and mourn the loss of these 4 dedicated public servants and law enforcement heroes.
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