Deputies to attend Washington police officers' memorial

Two members of the Douglas County Sheriff's Honor Guard are attending Tuesday's memorial in Tacoma, Wash., for four slain police officers thanks to a donation from a supporter of the Sheriff's Advisory Council.

Sheriff Ron Pierini said retired Chicago businessman Michael Sweig offered to pay air fare and expenses for deputies Nate Almeida and Joanne Cruz to attend the event expected to attract 20,000 law enforcement officers from across the country.

The four officers were gunned down Sunday in a Lakewood, Wash., coffee shop. Their suspected assailant was killed early Tuesday by a Seattle police officer.

Pierini said Sweig, who owns property in Chicago, Lake Tahoe and California, also was paying for six officers from Orange County, Calif., to attend.

"Mike called and said he feels terrible about this situation," Pierini said. "He's donated to the Sheriff's Advisory Council for years. and said he would pay for two honor guard members."

Pierini said because of the expense, the honor guard usually limits its attendance to services within Nevada. Pierini said the department would cover the Douglas officers' salaries while they are away.

"We feel honored that we will be represented at this memorial service in Washington," Pierini said.

The slain Lakewood police officers were Sgt. Mark Renninger and officers Ronald Owens, Tina Griswold and Greg Richards.

"This is a huge tragedy for the Lakewood department and their families," Pierini said. "People in our community I've talked to and other law enforcement are devastated at this."

Pierini said most officers who die in the line of duty are killed in vehicle accidents or while responding to calls.

"This is kind of unique," he said. "These officers were not dealing with a call or the man who executed them. It was unforgivable and unacceptable behavior."

Pierini said Douglas deputies were draping their badges with black.

"It's to show our honor to those people who lost their lives," he said.

Pierini said the violence against officers was higher than normal.

"Ninety percent of it is influenced by substance abuse or alcohol," the sheriff said. "We've got to try to do everything we can to educate our children."