Everett, Wash.
Published: Saturday, May 17, 2008

Edmonds police officer honored for actions in gunfight

The Edmonds Police Department recognizes service at an awards ceremony.

By Jackson Holtz
Herald Writer

 EDMONDS -- It only took a few seconds for a routine call on a car prowl to turn into a life-and-death battle between Edmonds police officer Josh McClure and a heavily armed man wearing a bulletproof vest.

Just before 1 a.m. on Oct. 25 in the parking lot of a Highway 99 motel, McClure and the suspect exchanged gunfire. A minute later, McClure, his canine partner, Dash, and other Edmonds officers had the man in custody.

Police discovered the man had three handguns, extra ammunition and a loaded shotgun. He was jailed for investigation of assault.

"This was a significant incident for the city of Edmonds," police Chief Al Compaan said Thursday night at the department's annual awards ceremony. "It was also significant for all those serving at this department. It was a reminder of how dangerous this profession can be."

For his action and will to live during the "nightmare of a gun battle," McClure was recognized as Officer of the Year.

This year, for the first time, the award was named in memory of Chief David Stern who died April 25, 2007, of a brain aneurism.

"We wanted a permanent remembrance of Chief Stern," said Edmonds police officer Bill Nelson, who helped coordinate the ceremony.

In 2001, when Stern became police chief, he expanded the annual awards ceremony, Nelson said.

It was only fitting to honor Stern by naming the department's highest achievement in his memory, he said.

The department also gave special recognition to Sgt. Debbie Smith, who has served as acting assistant chief since Stern's death.

Mindy Broman, who has worked for Edmonds police for 19 years, was given the Non-Commissioned Employee of the Year award.

Others recognized in the ceremony include:

Distinguished Service Citation for Valor:

Sgt. David L. Machado; King County Sheriff deputy Eric White and Edmonds officer Josh McClure.

Letter of Commendation:

Property officer Lynette Mandeville; acting assistant chief Debbie Smith; detectives David Honnen and Stephen Morrison; officers Shane Hawley, Aaron Frausto and Jason Shier.

Award of Excellence:

Officer Gregory Mills.

Citizen Service Citation:

Tom and Ann Bunton; Kelli Ewald; Lisa Ryan; Lorraine Galbreath; Gary Ray; and police Explorer Scouts Peter Gibson and Jacob Kimerer.

Support 7 Group Award:

Chaplains Phil Assink, James Beaunaux, Ken Gaydos, Matthew Lambert, Dale Schlack, Ron Sorensen and Robert Weslander.

Reporter Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437 or jholtz@heraldnet.com.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA