Video: Dedication of future officers’ memorial site in West Seattle

| High Point | West Seattle police | West Seattle video

The presentation of the colors opened the ceremony at noon today at Dignity Memorial/Forest Lawn in High Point, with dozens of police officers and community members gathered for a groundbreaking. We reported a week ago about the plan for this site — Forest Lawn is donating it for the construction of what will be Seattle’s first freestanding memorial to officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. The ceremony was brief; speakers included West Seattle’s highest-ranking law enforcer, Southwest Precinct Captain Joe Kessler:

The line of SPD cars nearby was another sign of the police participation:

Also in attendance, representatives of groups that assist the families of fallen officers. Forest Lawn officials explained that the idea’s been in the works for three years, sparked by ongoing collaboration with SPD chaplains, whose leader John Oas was part of today’s event, and helped with the ceremonial groundbreaking:

Forest Lawn will now embark on fundraising to help cover the cost of designing and building the actual memorial; they’re hoping it will be ready for a big dedication ceremony around this time next year. (Forest Lawn has another big event coming up, by the way – 2 pm May 25th, the annual Memorial Day ceremony; here’s our coverage from last year.)

DK May 1, 2009 (4:11 pm)

Wow…I just viewed the videos posted and one thing struck me after watching the third one…

At the end of the final video, the camera pans over to the area for seated guests…the odd thing was, I only noticed our officers in a small section, all the other seats were empty!

I hope that the footage is misleading because if it is not, it sure as hell must’ve been a poor showing by the West Seattle citizenry!! Either this event was not announced, or West Seattle just didn’t give a damn! Our law enforcement officers deserve better!

DK May 1, 2009 (4:15 pm)

P.S., I just flew back in this afternoon from Atlanta…otherwise, had I been here, been informed and had the time, I would have attended.

WSB May 1, 2009 (4:21 pm)

There were two seating sections – we were in the front row of the one not seen on camera. A dozen or so folks over there. Regarding announcement – we first heard about it while talking with the Forest Lawn folks at Gathering of Neighbors a few weeks ago, and added it to our Events calendar then — and when we got more details from Forest Lawn’s GM David Salove, we published this story:
https://westseattleblog.com/blog/?p=16036
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Can’t speak to whether it was written about anywhere else. I don’t think we were the only media organization to which the notice was sent – there were two TV stations covering today’s ceremony as well as WSB – TR

christopherboffoli May 1, 2009 (4:53 pm)

Nice coverage, as ever.

d May 1, 2009 (8:11 pm)

I’m thinking WS will step up to represent and show our appreciation when the fund raising efforts begin in earnest and again when the memorial is dedicated next year.

I drove by but was in my ripped up jeans – didn’t feel I was appropriately dressed. I did give pause however. Thinking that Forest Lawn is doing a great thing for the family of fallen officers. Kudos.

fantastic May 1, 2009 (8:35 pm)

Good job Forest Lawn for donating the site. As well all the officers who held the ceremony. We can’t wait to see the memorial.

lighthouse May 1, 2009 (10:15 pm)

I would have liked to attend — but noon on a weekday is not a good time for people with regular day jobs.
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Hopefully next year when the dedication for the actual memorial happens, it will be at a time that allows more people to attend.

celeste17 May 1, 2009 (11:26 pm)

I would have liked to attend but I had previous plans with my Mom. But you know when the dedication happens I will be there. My brother is a former police officer with King County and I respect and honor all police officers.

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