Update: Fund for Officer Tim Brenton’s family; plus, reward grows

Two updates this morning in the aftermath of the Halloween night murder of Seattle Police Officer Tim Brenton, a former West Seattleite: SPD has just announced how you can donate to help Officer Brenton’s wife and children – go to any Bank of America branch and ask to contribute to the Brenton Family Assistance Fund. West Seattle’s B of A branches are in The Junction (4001 SW Alaska), Admiral (4323 Admiral Way), and on the east side of Westwood Village. Meantime, the Seattle Police Officers’ Guild says the reward fund in the as-yet-unsolved ambush – which also injured Officer Britt Sweeney – has now grown to $60,000. Here’s the tipline info from SPDBlotter:

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call either 911 or the Seattle Police Homicide Unit at 206 684-5550, or the tipline at (206) 233-5000. Those wishing to remain anonymous are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or send a text to CRIMES (274637). Your text message should include “TIP486″ to ensure proper routing.

As for the investigation, SPD plans another media briefing in a few hours; here’s this morning’s update from the Seattle Times (WSB partner). As announced last night, Officer Brenton’s memorial will be at KeyArena this Friday, 1 pm. ADDED 2:52 PM: SPD has released a statement from Officer Brenton’s family:

“The family of Officer Tim Brenton would like to thank the community for the tremendous outpouring of support. Even with the tragic loss, Tim’s wife and children are finding solace in the support from the police community, their friends and family, and the community as a whole. We know that Tim would be honored and humbled by the limitless support that has been provided at the difficult time. We sincerely thank you for the generous emotional support, thoughts, and prayers.”

Central District News has video of this handwritten note being read to the media this afternoon.

Keith Floyd November 3, 2009 (11:54 am)

The company I work for runs the Taser foundation for fallen officers.This fondation helps the famillies of our local heros.

Jeanne Harris November 3, 2009 (12:10 pm)

Thanks Keith.
Here’s the link: http://www.taserfoundation.org

Our hearts go out to this family. Such a horrific tragedy.

WSB November 3, 2009 (12:27 pm)

I hope that your foundation is helping by donating to the official fund announced today by SPD – that is the only *official* fund that has been announced to us and the rest of the Seattle media – TR

WSEvelyn November 3, 2009 (6:39 pm)

This murder was absolutely “senseless!”. I feel absolutely sickened that some horrible person took this wonderful man away from his family & his community! I cannot wait for the day that we find out who it is & with enough evidence to convict. Someone out there knows something.

TK November 3, 2009 (6:48 pm)

Oh man, at 85K bet there’s some phony reports!

bj November 3, 2009 (7:32 pm)

The perfect scenario would be that someone comes forward with a tip that leads to the arrest of these “thugs” and then turns around and donates the reward money to the family. This has been such a sad event and I feel for all the rest of the officers and their families. I hope it is/was an isolated incident. I so hope that they get caught!!

LyndaB November 3, 2009 (7:52 pm)

I felt really sick when I heard the news. It’s senseless. My thoughts and prayers are with those who knew him. Also, I just received an email from the West Seattle HS Alumni association and it indicated Officer Brenton graduated from the class of 1988. Sorry, if that has already been mentioned.