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Spokane Valley recognizes interagency "Operation Rolling Thunder" and Sgt. Patrick Bloomer
Summary
The City Council honored Sgt. Patrick Bloomer and federal and local partners for Operation Rolling Thunder, which led to arrests of fugitives and clearing of warrants; U.S. Marshals and local law enforcement described coordination and federal overtime funding that supported the operation.
The Spokane Valley City Council on Sept. 9 formally recognized Sergeant Patrick Bloomer of the Spokane Valley Police Department and federal partners for their roles in "Operation Rolling Thunder," a multi‑agency fugitive apprehension operation.
Acting Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Carson Taylor sent a letter read at the meeting that credited Sergeant Bloomer with organizing and directing a complex operation with less than a month’s preparation. The letter said the operation coordinated intelligence and enforcement for more than 100 fugitives, involved daily scheduling of deputies, detectives and K‑9 units, and integrated aviation, crisis negotiations and SWAT resources. The letter said the operation resulted in the safe arrest of 55 fugitives, including 29 violent felony offenders, and the clearance of 51 felony warrants and 38 misdemeanor warrants.
Chief Dave Ellis thanked the U.S. Marshals and other partners and said the Marshals funded more than $50,000 in federal overtime that enabled the multi‑agency effort. "This is an operation that took off a lot of violent offenders off of our streets," Chief Ellis said, thanking Sergeant Bloomer for more than 25 years of service. Sergeant Bloomer told the council the success was a team effort and credited the U.S. Marshals, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and prosecutors.
A representative for Congressman Michael Baumgartner spoke in support, and a former state senator and staffer relayed the congressman’s praise, noting it was the first such task force in Eastern Washington led by the U.S. Marshals with broad local participation.
Mayor Haley and the council presented certificates of appreciation and asked the room to acknowledge the law enforcement partners. The recognition was ceremonial and did not include any formal policy changes.
Speakers quoted or referenced in this article: Acting Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Carson Taylor, Chief Dave Ellis, Sergeant Patrick Bloomer, representative for Congressman Michael Baumgartner.
Ending: The council thanked the agencies involved and recognized the operation for its role, saying it demonstrated the value of federal-local law enforcement cooperation in the region.
