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Washington honors fallen officers and awards state Medals of Honor at Capitol ceremony
Summary
Officials, families and law enforcement organizations gathered at the Washington State Capitol on May 15, 2025, to add two names to the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial and present Medal of Honor recognitions to several officers, including posthumous and serious-injury citations.
On May 15, 2025, hundreds gathered at the Washington State Capitol for the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial ceremony, where state leaders and the Behind the Badge Foundation added two names to the memorial wall and presented Medal of Honor recognitions for recent acts of service and sacrifice.
Brian Johnston, executive director of the Behind the Badge Foundation, opened the program by thanking family members, dignitaries and regional honor guards and by noting that two names were added to the wall "joining the names of 344 officers who preceded them," a reminder of the toll of policing in Washington. "This memorial is more than stone inscription. It is a living result of a partnership, purpose, and love," Johnston said.
The ceremony combined symbolic remembrances with formal recognitions. Clayton Powell, a retired Seattle officer, read a poem honoring officers and their families; Governor Bob Ferguson presented a wreath and read a proclamation designating May 2025 as Law Enforcement Recognition Week, saying the most important message was simple: "to say thank you." Attorney General Nick Brown called the memorial "a reaffirmation that their work and sacrifice will not be forgotten," and thanked the Behind the Badge Foundation and law enforcement families for their service.
The state also presented the Medal of Honor and related recognitions. David Heitzman, secretary of the Washington State Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Committee, outlined the committee's statutory role and read summaries for multiple honorees. Among those recognized: night marshal Louis Jacobs (posthumous, end of watch 08/30/1936) whose family accepted the award; Detective Nicholas Kaufman (Spokane County Sheriff's Office), who sustained life-threatening injuries in August 2024 while attempting to protect the public and later underwent emergency surgery; Trooper Christopher Gadd (Washington State Patrol), recognized posthumously for an on-duty death in March 2024; and Trooper Ray Seberg (Washington State Patrol), who survived multiple gunshot wounds in February 2024 and required extended rehabilitation.
Johnston introduced Captain Matt Faylor of the Washington State Patrol to present the roll call of honor; the roll call and brief narratives of sacrifice were read aloud to underscore the ceremony's purpose. Families and agency representatives were invited forward to accept medals and be photographed with officials, including the governor and attorney general.
The ceremony was bookended by a musical performance of the national anthem by Erin Colada and an invocation and closing benediction from Pastor Lance Powers. The program concluded with logistical notes from the medal committee and a final dismissal; organizers asked attendees to drive safely and observe the families honored.
The event emphasized public recognition and remembrance rather than policy debate or legislative action. No formal votes or policy decisions were taken at the ceremony.
