By Bob Colinas and Donald Lane
Our most heartfelt and deepest thanks go out to all the citizens, local communities, and the network of uniformed personnel who expressed their sorrow and sympathy to us and our Brier family following the Sept. 12 loss of Brier police officer Eddie Thomas.
No one ever expects to have to bury a bright, talented, professional first responder and friend seven days before his 29th birthday. Eddie was all of this, and more.
The outpouring of community support was overwhelming. We can’t begin to express our gratitude to all of you. A special thank you to Gov. Christine Gregoire’s Office for sending Mike Gregoire, the governor’s husband, to meet privately with Eddie’s family before the church service. And to Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon and the Snohomish County Council who presented the family with a proclamation prior to the service. Thank you to the mayors and council members of Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Edmonds, Everett, Mill Creek, Bothell and many more who aided our city in a time of need.
Other memorials poured in: A special letter from U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell; flowers, notes, cards and posters covered the front steps of Brier City Hall; Lynnwood Citizens Patrol, U. S. Coast Guard, Snohomish and King County sheriffs, local citizens, and others standing vigil 24/7 on these front steps to receive memorials and give out black lapel ribbons they made; and especially for the planning task force. This group jumped into action led by the Lynnwood Police Department, staffed by officers from Mountlake Terrace, Everett, ESCA, Snohomish County, Mill Creek, Monroe, Bothell, Edmonds, Seattle, Fire District 1, SNOCOM, Support 7, Beck’s Funeral Home, COPS and Survivor Advocates. These men and women selflessly planned every detail of the service, allowing us time to grieve the loss of our officer and friend.
Most of all, our thanks goes out to the many police, deputies, fire, Coast Guard, EMTs, medics, and other uniformed first responders statewide, neighboring states and even from as far away as Canada who came to pay their respects to a fellow officer. Their presence proves that no matter what color the uniform or when it happens, the death of an officer rips through the rest of us — and that we will forever stand shoulder-to-shoulder to fill the gap.
We have a special thanks to Brier Pizza and Pasta for so graciously giving the entire proceeds on Monday, usually their day off, and to cooks and wait staff who donated their tips to the Eddie Thomas Memorial fund.
We thank and bless each of you for your support during this time. The Brier Police Department and people of Brier stand tall knowing that you were there for us when we needed you. The personnel that stepped up to help that night and in the days to follow, need to be commended for their professionalism and untiring devotion to our city and Eddie’s family. We know that we will never be able to thank you or your staff adequately for all the help that has been given so unselfishly.
Bob Colinas is Mayor of Brier and Donald Lane is Brier’s police chief.
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