Cowlitz County proclaims National Police Week, schedules May 14 candlelight vigil

The Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved a proclamation recognizing National Police Week 2025 and announced a candlelight vigil for 7:00 p.m. on May 14 at Ari Long Park to honor law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

The proclamation, read during the board's consent agenda, cites the names of local officers who died in the line of duty and urges flags be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15. The board moved and voted to adopt the proclamation during the meeting.

Tom Hahn, identified at the meeting as a chaplain with the county chaplaincy, read a list of reasons titled “Why I Became a Cop” and later led the group in the police officer’s prayer, saying, “Give me, Lord, concern for others who trust me and compassion for those who need me.” Hahn also noted that an app called the Officer Down Memorial Page notifies him when officers die and that the chaplaincy will remember canine officers and recently deceased local chiefs.

During public comment, a resident recounted calling 911 for a friend in crisis and credited the responding Kelso officers with helping to stabilize the person. The resident said the quick response likely saved a life, and described the friend’s recovery since the contact with law enforcement.

The board’s proclamation specifically referenced the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and a group of names being added this year; it also named Justin DeRozier and past local officers who died in the line of duty. The chair then called for a formal motion to adopt the measure; the motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

The board did not adopt new policy or direct additional funding during the vote; the item was a ceremonial proclamation and public recognition.