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Washington honors four fallen officers at Peace Officers Memorial ceremony
Summary
The Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial ceremony on May 15 honored four officers newly inscribed on the memorial; Gov. Bob Ferguson presented a proclamation declaring Law Enforcement Recognition Week and families received medals and formal recognition.
Washington state leaders, law enforcement and family members gathered at the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial on May 15 for the annual Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony and a Bridal of Honor presentation honoring four officers newly added to the memorial.
Brian Johnston, executive director of the Behind the Badge Foundation, opened the ceremony by thanking performers and chaplains and noting the memorial’s 20th anniversary. "You are forever part of this law enforcement family," Johnston said, addressing survivors and colleagues.
Sheriff John Knowles of the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, the ceremony’s featured speaker, reflected on duty and sacrifice and read passages from scripture as part of his remarks honoring the fallen. "Their service and your sacrifice continues to matter," he said, urging attendees to remember the individuals behind the names etched in granite.
Governor Bob Ferguson placed a memorial wreath and read a gubernatorial proclamation proclaiming May 10–16, 2026, as Law Enforcement Recognition Week in Washington. During his remarks the governor praised officers’ service and presented the proclamation to the attorney general for formal recognition.
Attorney General Nick Brown thanked the Behind the Badge Foundation and law enforcement agencies for their service to the state and acknowledged the families of the fallen. David Heitzman of the Attorney General's Office outlined the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor process, citing RCW 41.72 as the statute establishing the award and describing how nominations are reviewed by the Medal of Honor Committee.
The ceremony included a roll call of honor and presentations for honorees. Officer Charles Ray (Everett Police Department) was recognized posthumously for injuries sustained on New Year’s Eve while attempting arrests; Sergeant Ken Salas (Spokane County Sheriff's Office) was honored for a line-of-duty death after blocking a highway lane to clear a roadway hazard; and Trooper Tara Marissa Guding (Washington State Patrol) was recognized for fatal injuries sustained while investigating a collision on State Route 509. Families and agency representatives were invited forward to accept framed photos and the Bridal of Honor presentations on behalf of the honorees.
Chaplain Bullman offered a closing benediction asking for continued watch over law enforcement and comfort for survivors, and the color guard retired the colors. Johnston closed by inviting attendees to return the following day at 11 a.m. for a complete roll call of every name on the memorial and noted that a 24-hour video vigil would begin at midnight on May 15.
The ceremony was primarily commemorative; no policy actions or votes occurred. Organizers emphasized remembrance, family support and the continuing duty of law enforcement and community members to honor those who have died in service.