Dear friends,

I don't know the level of national interest in this story, but it has hit pretty close to home.

On November 29, a paroled habitual criminal from Arkansas assassinated four Lakewood, WA police officers at a coffee shop in Parkland. The perpetrator was shot and killed a couple days later while apparently trying to ambush another officer in Seattle.

I grew up in Lakewood, went to college in Parkland and now reside in neighboring Puyallup. This horrific tragedy has shaken our communities. There were ~20,000 law enforcement officers from across the continent present for a memorial service yesterday in Tacoma. It is a moving and emotional time for many.

More information from our local newspaper - Tacoma News Tribune.

All of those who protect our public safety are heroes.

I saw that story on CNN, very sad. I wish these judges wouldn't be so lenient on proven criminals, the public's safety is far more important than any criminal's "rights".

It was on the local news of most cities across the country, as well as the national news shows. Very sad indeed.

Thanks for sharing Tom, over on the fishing forum that I frequent this horrific incident has been brought up on several occasions due to the number of LEOs that are on the board. Hope everybody there keeps their chins up, the good still outnumber the bad by overwhelming numbers ... believe it or not.

Your community is in our thoughts and prayers.

I came across that story in the news, as well. Very sad, indeed. I can imagine the impact it's had on your community.

With my dad a retired police officer it really pains me to think of what the families must go through and endure.

Sure, Tom; that was big news nationally, especially among members of the law enforcement community, of course. Have the highest appreciation for the job these guys do, after working with them for years to help put the bad guys away.

"Apparently" is probably a good choice of terminology. The odds of him being taken in to stand trial weren't the greatest.

As we get as much American news as Canadian thanks to the big TV networks, I too frowned when I heard this story. These types of things can have a lasting effect. I wish you and your community all the best.