2023 Last Ring Notifications

Charles Scheuffele #1864, retired Seattle Police Detective Sergeant passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 89 years of age. Charles was hired on September 2, 1958, and retired after 29 years of service on May 14, 1988.

A service will be held on August 26, 2023, at 12:30 PM at the Second Christian Reformed Church, 710 Front Street, Lynden, WA 98264.

William "Bill" Karban #2342, Retired Seattle Detective Sergeant, passed away on May 5, 2023, at 86 years of age.

Bill was born and raised in New Brighton, PA. Once Bill graduated from New Brighton High School, he joined the Air Force. When he was discharged in 1961, Bill enrolled at the UW in pre-law.

Bill was hired on June 10, 1963, and graduated with Academy Class #47 along with Gunnar Otness #2149, Jim Street #2353, J Butcher #2529, Sid Reed #2343, Gail Richardson #2344.   

Bill was assigned to the North Precinct until he was promoted to Detective and went to the Juvenile Unit in 1967. After a year there, he spent six years in the Homicide Robbery Unit.

During 1970, Seattle was experiencing several Pharmacy armed robberies. The suspect was described as an older man with cold blue eyes armed with a pistol. A tip came in regarding the suspect's identity. The suspect lived North of Seattle, so Bill called to get a couple of deputies to come along. They surprised the sleeping suspect. Bill searched the bed, finding nothing but a .38 revolver under his pillow. The suspect sat calmly in handcuffs. They got him dressed, and the Deputy said let's go. The suspect asked if he could put his shoes on, and the Deputy said yes because he had been so calm. Bill saw something in those cold blue eyes, grabbed the suspect, and pulled him back, telling the Deputy to look under the bed. The Deputy pulled out a shoe with a fully loaded .45 under the bed. Bill told the Deputy, "Put this in your memory bank; we both learned something tonight."

A few years later, Bill moved on to the Vice section. Bill and his partner Greyhound were actively working a case on "Big Momma," a female pimp who donned the streets suddenly and appeared to have very young girls working for her. The captain was inquiring about the case, clearly wanting this problem resolved. The secretary asks Bill to come to the front desk two days later. Bill was met by a huge Samoan Vice cop from Hawaii named Manny. Manny wanted to ride around with Bill to see how Seattle Vice worked and operated. Manny, Greyhound, and Bill bantered on the road, and Big Mamma's name came up. Manny got very excited from hearing her name and said, "We wondered where she had gone!" Mamma had recently picked a fight with the Hawaiian Vice cops and lost. She had crawled into a sugar cane field and disappeared. Manny asked, "Can I handle this for you?". Bill and Greyhound dropped Manny off a block away and sat back, waiting to see what would happen. Big Mamma saw Manny walking straight at her and tried to run. Manny captured her, picked her up with one hand, held her feet off the ground, said something, and walked away smiling. Back at the car, Manny said, "She will leave tonight." The following day, the captain came in and asked for an update. Bill told him Big Mamma had left town, and sure enough, a few days later, a call from the Portland FBI came in for Bill; they wanted to talk about Big Mamma. She and all of her girls were arrested for interstate transportation of underage girls, and they would have her in prison for at least five years.

In 1977, Bill was asked to go to the Burglary Theft Unit and was there until June 15, 1979, when he was promoted to Detective Sergeant. By December 1980, Bill thought he seemed out of touch with what was happening in Patrol, so he asked to be assigned to Patrol after a 13-year absence. He wanted his skills honed and sharpened; this was the best place to learn new procedures and protocols for working the street. On December 1, 1980, Bill was assigned to Patrol at his request. Three years later, he was assigned to the Robbery Section. He stayed with Robbery until 1985, when he was asked to come to Narcotics and work with the DEA, where he worked on clandestine drug lab cases.  

Bill had a great career and was offered a position as the Task Force Commander of the Regional Narcotics Task Force in Snohomish County, so on December 29, 1987, Bill retired from SPD with 24 years and 7 months to administer and manage federal, state, and local grants for enforcement. The team had seized over 13M and made over 600 arrests. One such case was a tip from a power company employee about astronomical power usage that led the task force to a farmhouse; it was immaculate, with nothing growing except beautiful grass. The TF secretly metal detected the beautiful grassy area, and it alerted uncontrollably. A warrant was served, and the TF used the suspect's heavy equipment to uncover two railroad freight cars full of growing marijuana, light and water systems, and even stairs to reach makeshift lofts that were built inside.

After Bill retired from working, he and his wife moved to Arizona. He would call the office periodically to “check in” and see how everyone was doing. Bill was one of a kind and we will all miss him.

Bill is survived by his wife of 40 years, Shirley, a son, Colin, and daughter Lisa.

As a side note, I obtained these stories directly from Bil. He had sent the office his bio as well as many stories that had stuck with him. It's evident in reading the stories that Bill took away a lesson from almost every case he worked on. Sometimes, he was just in the right place at the right time and even the wrong place at the right time, but one thing is clear: Bill was all about officer safety. He wanted to go home every night, and he did.

Dix Baker #1760, Retired Seattle Police Sergeant, passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023, just a few weeks shy of his 90th birthday. 

Dix was raised in Seattle. By 16 years old, Dix worked in a grocery store and the "Hot Dog Show" on Seattle's waterfront. After graduating from Roosevelt High School, Dix started school at the UW, married, and started his family.

In 1954, Dix joined the Navy, and upon his return home, he was hired by SPD on January 28, 1957, with a starting salary of $375.00 per month. Dix was assigned to Academy Class #37 along with Stan Fridell #1746, Bill Bartlett #1763slessman, and Bruce Edmonds # 1800.

Dix had been looking for a place to stay for "a short time," and Mike Slessman #1672 offered to put Dix up in his basement until Dix got his feet under him. Dix lived in Mikes's basement for a few years before he moved out. He was working in the East Precinct area in Patrol.

By 1963, Dix had now been working North Precinct, mostly Ballard and Nora Sectors. He  became a Patrolman Diver on September 14, 1964. Sadly, one of his first recoveries was in October 1964; two boys, Joe, 7 and a boy 5 years old, were playing by the Lake Washington Canal at the foot of Phinney Ave N; the water was so clear they could see the fish swimming. The 5-year-old picked up gravel and tossed it in the water. Joe protested and the 5-year-old pushed Joe into the water. Dix, along with Sgt Ken Myers #1010 searched the area and were able to recover Joe's remains.

In 1971, Dix was assigned to the DWI Squad. Seattle was one of the first of its kind in the country to utilize a physical ability test and a breathalyzer test to determine drunk driving. Sometime later, the squad had been disbanded and later reconstituted.

Dix had arrested a man on DWI and was interviewing him in the traffic car when the suspect suddenly pulled out a gun and shot at Dix. Luckily, the bullet missed Dix and the car's interior and flew out the window. The fight was on. Al O'Brien #2720 was the first on the scene and hit the suspect with the brand-new portable radio, breaking the radio into pieces. Dix was then dubbed "Lucky Eddy."

On October 18, 1979, Dix was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to the DWI Squad. His squad included Russ Stallman #1899, Ken Davis #2547, Jim Johnson #1979, John Bernasconi #3113, and Ron Schimke #2315 as his squad.

Dix was an easygoing man who was liked by everyone. He enjoyed playing basketball in the gym with the others at lunchtime. One time, he showed up in roll call wearing his uniform shirt, gun belt, basketball shorts, and tennis shoes; he had just played (and won) and was changing when he realized he better get to roll call.

Dix was again promoted on November 11, 1981, to Sergeant Detective. He was assigned to the Street Vice Unit. A year later, Dix transferred to Patrol to finish his police career, where it all started. On May 12, 1983, Dix retired after 26 years of service.

After retirement, Dix worked for a movie production company. He drove motor homes to and from locations for various commercials and movie shoots. He was even part of the movie "Benji.". Dix and his wife would also travel; they went to Tahiti a couple of times and Australia.

Dix decided to move north to Guemes Island in 1986. He loved to row his boat out to fish, sit in the recliner, and watch the animals. He would feed them all and enjoy his view every day.

Dix is survived by daughters Mary Ke, Kathy, Teri, and sons Mark and Keith, as well as seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Al Rasmussen #1608, retired Seattle Police Lieutenant, passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2023, at ninety-four years of age. 

Al was born in Sultan and grew up there until the age of 12, when he moved to his father's home in Seattle. While in high school, Al joined the Marine Corps Reserves. After graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Ann, and he worked for Boeing for a time. Due to layoffs, Al lost his Boeing job, and he moved to San Francisco. 

Not long after their move, the U.S. entered the Korean War. Al was immediately "pulled up" he never attended boot camp, he was put on a plane to Japan and then Korea to fight. 

Al was assigned to the 1st Marine Division, which was a heavy-machine-gun platoon. After their amphibious landing at Inchon, the unit entered P'yongyang enroute to the Changjin (Chosin) Reservoir. Unbeknownst to them, the mountains held 120,000 Chinese soldiers who began their assault on the 19,000 U.S. troops. 

Winter was brutal; They endured 17 days of -20°, sometimes -40° below. Food cans were frozen, and canteens too. Frostbite was common; besides the warfare, blood could freeze if not sweat. Soldiers died from frozen sweat. Their only way out was on a narrow gravel road to Hungnam, where allied ships awaited.

In an interview, Al recalled some "videotapes" he kept replaying in his mind. In one, he's in a foxhole, and the Chinese are running down the hill. His machine gun was pointed in the wrong direction. By the time he managed to turn it around, 30 to 60 seconds had elapsed. He kept thinking about the six Marines who were killed down below the foxhole. He said, "I was alone. It happened so fast. I didn't have time to think".

One thing was clear, a supply drop was needed. Nearly out of motor shells, the troops called for "Tootsie Rolls," their name for 60MM ammo but what was dropped was the candy. Although frozen, the sugar gave them energy and satisfied hunger. The troops realized that when the candy warmed up, they could use it like putty, they started patching bullet holes in the tank's hoses and other equipment to get out of there. After two weeks of fighting, they finally reached the sea, 70 miles away, with most of their dead, wounded, equipment, and the 100,000 North Korean civilians voting for freedom with their feet.

It's worth mentioning that Tootsie Roll Industries continues to support "The Chosin Few.”  To this day, they maintain an annual mailing to each member, which includes a very large Tootsie Roll bank filled with hundreds of Tootsie Rolls, each box marked with "Tootsie Roll salutes the Chosin Few. We are proud to have been with you".

At some point in the war, Al was promoted to Sergeant. Al survived the grueling war with a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He suffered periodic numbness in his hands and feet, but he was proud to have fought against the forces of oppression. 

After the war, Al was hired by the Seattle Engineering Department. However, he knew he wanted to be a police officer. Al was hired by SPD on January 3, 1955. 

Al worked at the Georgetown Precinct, and by 1963 he was working in traffic when the Seattle Times wrote an article about Traffic automation (Traffic lights). Al was featured. The story stated this new automation will never replace the traditional "cop on the corner." There is a picture of Al directing traffic on Eastlake and Mercer Street, which was under heavy construction for the new (I-5) freeway. In 80 seconds, Al funneled 66 cars, 32 trucks, one street sweeper, and two city buses through the busy intersection. A passerby yelled at Al, "Hey, you deserve a purple heart" because it was so dangerous; Al yelled back, "Maybe I'll get one if I stay here long enough." When Al's wife was interviewed and told of the purple heart comment, her response was, "Oh, he already got one in Korea. He's quite a man, and don't think I don't know it". 

In the Mid-1970s, Al worked in the Auto Theft squad; his partner was Phil Cruise #1287. He was then assigned to the Juvenile Unit and internal investigations. 

Al attended the University of Puget Sound through the LEAP program and graduated with a Master's in public administration. 

Al was later assigned to the Advanced Training Unit. The "video Training Unit" was created, and Al and Sgt. Randy Tibbs #3471 physically built the studio and control center in the old Glacier High School over a weekend, on their own time. All the department training videos were made for roll calls, academy training, and, eventually, state training.  

Al implemented the "shoot no shoot" simulator training; this was an interactive multi-screen combination audio/video training.

Al never let rank get to him; even as he rose through the ranks, he would help at scenes right alongside his officers. He fought for the "right thing," including standing his ground with a Major to save an officer from being fired. 

Al was a member and eventually the Captain of the Department's Marching Drill Team. This group oversaw many events, parades, and funeral services and acted as pallbearers. They marched in President Kennedy's Inaugural parade, the New York World's Fair, and many other large-scale events. Unfortunately, after 48 years, in 1982, the team's budget had been cut, and the group disbanded.  

Al retired after 30 years of service on August 14, 1985. He was appointed as the Chief of the Tacoma Parks District. This was a police unit; however, it was not part of the Tacoma Police Department like it is today. 

Al stayed active in his community when not in the garden growing tomatoes. Al was a member of the Veteran's Association, a N.W. Chapter of "The Chosen Few" was created, and he went on to become the vice president. He started a PTSD program that continues to this day for all military members.  

In 1993, Al and his wife both raised funds by traveling in his car, gaining statewide support to raise the $320,000 needed to construct the Korean War Veteran's Memorial in Olympia. 

In 1997 the Tahoma National Cemetery opened, and Al was there as part of the Cemetery Support Group, later becoming the Vice President and Chairman. He volunteered for over 25 years at Tahoma.

Al loved to fish, putter in the garden (he ate a green salad before dinner every night), and travel during retirement. Traveling around the state with the Elk's R.V. Club. Twice he went back to Korea; visited Hawaii, Washington DC, and several other locations.

David Severance #2381, retired Seattle police patrol officer, passed away Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 79 years of age.

Dave was born into a military family. He moved around a lot, however, his family always considered Seattle to be home. His father Dave was a Marine who retired as a colonel. During World War II he served as the commanding officer of Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines and led his company in the battle of Iwo Jima including raising the U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi.

Dave graduated high school in Colorado in 1961 and moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington. Following in his father’s footsteps, he joined the Marine Reserves right out of high school and served for seven years while studying Commercial and Advertising Art.

Dave was hired as a Police Cadet on December 16, 1963, having just returned from basic training with the US Marine Corps Reserves. Dave would rise to the rank of Platoon Sergeant.

After graduating with a BA in Commercial Art, Dave was hired on the department on July 20, 1966. Dave’s uncle, Vic Heins #1882 was already on the department and together they would later convince his brother, Mike #2866 to test with SPD. Dave attended academy class #51 along with Gordie Barnett #2561, Bill Hebert #2364, Mike Chartrand #2556, Roy Burt #2574, and Fred Kilmer #2573.

In 1967, Dave was dispatched to a disturbance call and then was shot at by a rifle, the bullet missed his head by mere inches. About a year later while patrolling the same area, Dave and his partner, Nils Seth #2803 were ambushed from a heavily wooded area and Dave was hit with three pellets from a shotgun, one in each shoulder and another in the back of head. Nils suffered a single pellet wound to the upper back.

In 1980, while on Patrol he noticed a young man on the outside railing of the Aurora Bridge. Dave approached the young man and talked to him at length. The young man suddenly released the railing, but Dave quickly reacted, and he grabbed the man’s clothing and pulled him over the rail to the sidewalk. Dave was assigned as a defensive tactic’s instructor in the academy but eventually transferred back into Patrol. After thirty years of service, Dave retired on March 1, 1994.

After retirement, Dave taught Criminal Justice at Shoreline Community College, and enjoyed riding his motorcycle. Dave decided to move to Leavenworth and embraced his new community by getting involved in civic matters, meeting others by serving on boards, clubs and he was instrumental in many city festivals and fundraising activities. Dave was a member of the Chelan County Sheriff’s Advisory Committee and chairing the annual Police Week ceremony in Wenatchee. Dave also began what really became a second career as Father Christmas. During the holidays you could find Dave wandering around town in his long robe and walking staff bringing smiles to everyone’s faces, posing for pictures, or listening to the children and what gifts they wanted Santa to bring. Dave especially loved playing St. Nicolas at the Annual Christmas Tree Lightings. These two roles brought Dave immense joy for 22 years.

Dave was predeceased by his brother, Mike #2866. He is survived by his twin sister Lynn, his children Tracy, Kelly, and David as well as four grandchildren

Kenneth Baker #2325, Retired Seattle Police Officer, passed away on April 3, 2023, at 83 years of age.

Ken was born and raised in Enumclaw. Throughout his school years, he had a passion for sports, excelling in baseball and football. Ken earned himself a scholarship to the University of Washington, where Ken proudly played for the Huskies. He completed his education and football career at Olympic University.

In 1959, Ken joined the Marines and, after his tour, was hired by SPD on Ken was hired on March 4, 1963, Class #47 along with Gunnar Otness #2149, Jim Street #2353, Larry Bodvin# 1957, Gail Richardson #2344, and William Taylor #2183.

In 1969 Ken was injured in an off-duty incident at a drive-in while attempting to arrest a suspect. Two subjects inside the backseat of a car grabbed Ken and held onto him, and he was dragged several feet, let go of, and knocked unconscious, injuring his back, knees, and legs.

Due to his injuries, Ken retired from both the SPD and the Marine Reserves. However, he returned to UW to pursue a degree in forestry.

Ken found his niche in various security roles, including backroad security for Weyerhaeuser, serving as a student supervisor at Meadowdale High School, and providing security for CRISTA Ministries.

Ken enjoyed camping and fishing, sharing outdoor adventures and nature. Along the way, Ken discovered a passion for gunsmithing.

On July 15, 1985, Ken married his loving wife, Nancy. They loved backroad adventures, working in the garden, and taking daily walks with their dog.

Ken is predeceased by his son Scott and is survived by his wife Nancy, son Jason, daughter Lisa, and four grandchildren.

Rodney Jackson #1196, Retired Seattle Police Bomb Squad Lieutenant, passed away on March 8, 2023, at 95 years of age. 

Rod was born and raised in Glendora, CA., where his family ran a security business. He enlisted in the Army, was stationed at Ft. Lewis, and fell in love with Seattle. 

Rod and his high school sweetheart Ouita moved to Seattle after getting married. Rod was a gas station attendant before working at Boeing. He had always considered being a police officer, so he took the test. Only ten percent of the 300 candidates passed. Rod was hired on February 26, 1951, with a monthly starting wage of $235.00. Rod was in Academy Class #25 along with Bob Dempsey #1146, Elmer Wittman #1145, Bob Hirschberg #1149, and Vern Thomas #1205, to name a few.

Rod was assigned to a prowl car with Duane Gelhoff #1312. In late 1959, while working West Central, they arrested a stick-up artist who fled the robbery scene in a taxi. When they booked the suspect, Rod sang Elvis’s current hit tune, “Jailhouse Rock.” 

In 1963, while filming “It Happened at the World’s Fair” starring Elvis, Rod was an extra in the movie as one of the police officers chasing Elvis around the Seattle Center Fountain. 

Rod was promoted to Detective on July 3, 1961, and assigned to the General Investigations Unit. He was then promoted to Sergeant on February 16, 1968. In June 1969, Seattle led the country in bombings. Schools, telephone company buildings, power stations, and businesses were all targeted. There was no distinguishable pattern to the 28 bombings, except that dynamite was the primary ingredient. These bombings had caused half a million dollars in damage, most of which was minor structural damage until the bombing of the UW Administration Building. The blast blew a crater in the floor and caused $290,000 in damage. By 1976, the investigation was still ongoing. The George “Jackson Brigade” had claimed responsibility for these bombings, but it appears there were never charges for the crimes. 

Rod was promoted to Detective Sergeant in the newly created Bomb Squad on April 19, 1972, and later promoted to Lieutenant within the Squad. Rod was one of the “Three Musketeers,” consisting of Vern Thomas #1205 and John Dinse #1520. However, he also was close to his neighbors, which included Dix Baker #1760, Dean Murphy #2068, and Jim Taggart #2207. 

In March 1982, Rod, JJ Jankauskas #2729, and Danny Barrett #2948 responded to a bank robbery in which a teller had a bomb secured to his leg by the suspect. JJ removed the bomb, wrapped it in several telephone books, and placed it in a bomb basket. Rod had told JJ and Danny not to get the bomb trailer, as it would take too long to get to the scene. They would transport the bomb to the range, maintaining radio silence. On the way to the range, police radio relentlessly kept trying to raise them. Rod told Danny to answer, and when Barrett keyed the mic, the bomb exploded. Instantly the car was filled with confetti from the phone books, inhibiting their sight and hearing. Weeks later, Danny arrested the suspect, a Canadian that had used the same method to rob other banks. Barrett never recovered his hearing and retired. JJ stayed on with impaired hearing. On August 27, 1983, Rod retired after 32 years of service and went on to serve as the Aide to King County Sheriff Vern Thomas, a long-time friend and fellow academy mate.

In 1987, Rod officially retired from working. He was an avid reader of mysteries, crime novels and had collected thousands of vinyl records. He loved country music, especially the steel guitar, and traveled to many cities for concerts.

As a historical side note, if you look near the recovered explosives area at the range, you can still see the results from some disposed flare gun rounds. Some Bomb Squad Detectives had dug a hole through the flare rounds and tossed them in the fire pit. The rounds went off and flew in all directions, causing several grassfires. The nearby fire department saw the smoke and responded to put out the flames. 

Rod is survived by his daughter Denise, Son Cecil; three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a beloved dog named Bitsey.

William Fenkner #2482, Retired Seattle Police Sergeant Patrol, passed away Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 89 years of age.

Bill was born in Stockton, California. His family relocated to the Rainier Valley. After graduating from Franklin High School, Bill enlisted in the US Marine Corps. Bill was deployed to Korea and served as a recon Marine, earning two purple hearts and several commendations. Bill continued as a Marine Reservist until 1972. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Serving as a reservist in the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI).

When Bill returned from the war, he started a family and settled in the Renton area. He started working as a taxicab driver and moved on to Boeing as a computer operator.

Bill joined SPD on May 10, 1965, and was assigned to Academy Class #49 along with John P. Sullivan #2184, John Erickson #2446, William Wald #2488, Ken Starkweather # 2441, and Bernie Miller #2454. Later, his brother, Al Fenkner #2783, would join him in the department.

On April 1, 1968, Bill was assigned to Motorcycles, where he was a proud member of the Drill Team. Two years later, on July 13, 1970, Bill was promoted to Detective and assigned to the Juvenile Unit. In December 1971, Bill caught the case of the “Great Lutefisk Heist.” A group of teens had stolen 30 pounds of the delicacy, which was being prepared for the Annual Lutefisk Eating Contest in Poulsbo. Bill tracked down the juveniles who led him to the missing fish and saved the day!

Through the Seattle Pacific University LEAP program, Bill earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public administration.

On May 30, 1980, Bill was again promoted to Sergeant and stayed in the Juvenile Unit. Over the next ten years, Bill would serve on the Police Pension Board and as a board member of the Sergeant’s Association. In March 1991, Bill returned to patrol at the West Precinct, and on September 22, 1993, Bill decided it was time to retire. After 28 years of service with Seattle, he officially retired from the Military and the Police Department.

Bill loved to travel; he loved reading, mostly history or biographies, and spending time with his grandkids. Bill did not miss one school or sporting event.

Bill was a humble man with full-sized cabinets packed with awards and letters of commendation for his many successes, which were discovered after his passing.

Bill is survived by his wife of 31 years, Christine; brothers Al and Donald; sister Kathleen; daughters Laurie and Lisa; stepson Eric; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Thomas Bacon #5144, Retired Seattle Police Patrol Officer, passed away on February 19, 2023, at 67 years of age.

Tom was born in Reno, Nevada, and raised in Hermosa Beach, California. After graduating high school, he attended a LA Trade Tech school for typesetting. He then went to work for a printing company. 

Tom had always thought about being a cop. When he moved to Washington, he set that goal and settled in Kent to raise his family. 

Tom was hired by the Pacific Police Department and entered Class #183 on May 6, 1983. Some of his Seattle PD Classmates were Seth Dietrich #4901, Mike Nolan #4903, and Joe Fewell #4896.  

Almost immediately, Tom lateraled to Des Moines Police Department. Tom worked there for approximately three years, then was hired by Seattle PD on March 25, 1987. Tom was assigned to the East Precinct. 

In 1989, Tom conducted a routine traffic stop in Holly Park and was shot in the pelvis at point-blank range but was still able to fire off five rounds at the fleeing gunman before radioing for assistance. The 31-year-old suspect was armed with a .45 caliber semi-auto pistol and an Uzi-style assault weapon. Tom broadcasted the suspect's description and direction of travel and warned passersby to take cover. Dan Bracher #5098 and Gary McNulty #3170 arrived and found Tom calmly directing officers. The suspect was apprehended under a plastic pool in a nearby backyard by Don Smith #4258 and K-9 Richter. 

Because our office does not have records for LEOFF2 officers, we cannot list all of Tom's positions. We were able to confirm the places mentioned. In the 1990s, Tom was assigned to the Traffic DUI Squad. Later, he worked at the North Precinct. 

In 2003, Tom reconnected with a high school sweetheart, Sandy. They married in 2006. 

On August 9, 2011, Tom was assigned as a Detective in the Traffic Collision Investigation Unit, where he worked for over eight years. It was time for a change, and Tom returned to the DUI Squad. On December 1, 2021, Tom retired after almost 38 collective years of service.  

After retirement, Tom and Sandy moved to Ocean Shores, where they joined a bowling league and the Elks Lodge. Tom could often be found tending the bar and volunteering. He had recently been elected as the Elk's secretary. Tom attended the Mariner's Spring Training in Peoria, Arizona, for several years. Another annual vacation was planned for a Mariner's series in a new city so they could enjoy a new location and other baseball fans! Tom enjoyed camping, boating the lake on the pontoon boat, playing his guitar, and cruising the world. In January, he and Sandy enjoyed a Mexican Riviera cruise. 

Dan Cameron #2192, Retired Seattle Police Patrol Sergeant, passed away on February 11, 2023, at 89 years of age. No lawful beneficiary is intact at the time of death. He had 27 years of service.

Dan was born in Butte, Montana. His family relocated briefly to Sitka, Alaska, and eventually settled in Ballard. 

Dan attended Ballard High School and was the pitcher on the baseball team when they won the State Championship. Dan left high school and lied about his age to enlist in the National Guard. It was here that he got interested in policing. 

Before becoming a police officer, Dan was encouraged by a friend to purchase rental properties. He bought his first home in Roosevelt, remodeled it, and rented out the rooms. 

On October 2, 1961, Dan was hired and assigned to Academy class #44, some of his classmates include Don Vert #2168, Larry Grout #2167, Dale Douglas #2159, Roy Skagen #2204, and Auggie Zampardo #2200. 

Assignment history is sparse, but we could piece together that in early 1965, Dan was assigned to the North Precinct. By late 1965, he was working downtown. He was promoted to Sergeant on July 8, 1975, and worked at West Precinct.  

It is noted that Dan was one of the last officers to drive three-wheelers. He made sergeant and at one time ended up as 2 Robert, working second watch out of Georgetown. He was a great leader who created squad unity. 

The 1960s and ’70s were a busy decade for Dan. He volunteered as a Seafair Pirate, obtained his Marine and Pilot licenses, and traveled for a fast-pitch baseball team. In the 1970s, Dan started pitching for the “Seattle Red” along with Buzzy Katzer #; the team lasted for over 20 years with 

By 1983 Dan was certified as a master diver and assigned to the Harbor Patrol Unit. On November 27, 1985, Dan was assigned to the South Precinct and retired on December 31, 1988, after 27 years of service. 

Not one to sit around after retirement, Dan purchased a limo service and later purchased the “Palace Restaurant” in Winthrop, WA, where he ran the hotel and restaurant. He sold in 2008. 

Dan was an avid golfer who loved to travel. He had over 35 timeshares. He golfed all over the world, including Scotland and England. He could be found in places such as Mexico, Las Vegas, Florida, New Orleans, etc. He sailed to Alaska and Hawaii. He loved sports and traveled to watch four Olympic Games, many Superbowl’s, Final Four, and Masters Golf Tournaments, and last year went to the Indy 500 by himself.

Dan showed up at a RAP meeting a few weeks before his passing. He would be in and out of Washington as the wind blew. Dan was busy living life! 

Dan is survived by his nephew Steve and longtime partner of 60 years, Carole. 

Dick Hume #2223, Retired Seattle Police Detective Sergeant, passed away on February 10, 2023, at 89 years of age. 

Dick was born in Kelso, Washington, and graduated from Longview High School. After graduating from Longview High School, Dick earned his AA Degree in theatre. Dick enlisted in the Air Force. His MOU was Administration Clerk. He was stationed in many places, but the most memorable was Texas. He had his first leave and wanted to go home to see his parents, so he hitchhiked from Texas to Longview! 

After leaving the Air Force, Dick used the GI Bill to study theatre at the University of Washington where he majored in Foreign Trade.  He loved to sing and perform in the theatre. He was cast in the operetta “The Fortune Teller” as Lt. Almir. He met his future bride, Joan, at the UW.  

Dick was hired on February 26, 1962, and assigned to Academy Class #45 along with Al Terry #2243, Craig Vandeputte #2246, Wendell DeBoer #2230, John Boren #2235, and Pat Dempsey #2219, to name a few.M/

Dick was promoted to Detective on January 12, 1970, and worked in various units, including IIS, Burglary Theft, and the Checks & Forgery Unit. 

Through the LEAP program, Dick attended the University of Puget Sound, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. 

Dick was quite the athlete. He was in the department’s ski and running clubs, and he also ran marathons. Dick enjoyed golf and was on a soccer team into his early 60’s.   

Dick worked many events, both at the Seattle Center and the Kingdome. He especially loved working on Sounder’s games. The whitecap fans plagued him as they would jump onto the field so Dick would have to chase them. He never caught the young kids, but he enjoyed chasing them as much as they enjoyed teasing him. The kids would specifically ask what area Dick was working in, so they find him. 

Once assigned to the Seattle Center, a suspect took off on foot from Dick, and the chase was on. Dick chased down this young suspect from the Ice Arena to the East of Dexter. The kid was no match for Dick! 

Dick was promoted to Sergeant on May 19, 1977, and assigned to the North Precinct. Where he was described as a great Sergeant. After 37 years of service, Dick retired on March 12, 1999. 

Dick enjoyed working; he volunteered for the Kirkland Fire Department and started working security at the King County Courthouse for the next ten years before deciding it was time to officially retire.   

Gary Fowler #2920, Retired Seattle Police Detective, passed away on January 5, 2023, at 82 years of age. 

Gary was born in Centralia but grew up in Seattle. After graduating from Highline High School, Gary enlisted in the Navy and became a Seabee. He was stationed at Lake Mead Naval Base, Las Vegas. This is where he met and married his wife, Virginia. Gary was later attached to the MP Shore Patrol in Port Hueneme, California, and served five years in the Navy and then returned to Seattle. He worked as an Electrician and later for Bethlehem Steel. 

A neighbor, who was a trooper, encouraged Gary to apply. Gary had enjoyed his time on shore patrol and thought, why not!?  SPD hired Gary on May 21, 1968. He entered Academy Class #56 along with John Mason #2884, Mark Amundson #2895, John Reynolds #2889, Frances Trudeau #2897, and Ken Baggen #2523. 

Gary was promoted to Detective on January 12, 1972, and was assigned to Burglary. Shortly after, he was assigned to Robbery and later transferred to Checks & Forgery. During this time, he also attended Puget Sound University and earned his BA Degree in Public Administration. 

Gary was a proud SPD Marching Drill Team member, performing alongside Dan Melton #2711, John Gray #2629, Gary Greenbaum #2668 and Dan Engle #2777. This group performed in many long-standing parades in Vancouver, San Francisco, Victoria, and Seafair. 

Gary was assigned to Homicide and was partnered with Dan Melton. During the 1983 Wah Mee Massacre. Sgt. Don Cameron #2058 told Gary and Dan to head up to HMC to talk to the lone survivor, who was getting prepped for surgery. Once they arrived, they threw scrubs on and entered the OR. The survivor was very challenging to understand and kept repeating the same word. Gayle Richardson #2344 and Wayne Plumb #2674 were in the office working, and one of their assigned cases was a recent double homicide involving two women; the suspects were Willie Mak and Benjamin Ng. When Dan & Gary returned to the Homicide Unit, the four detectives discussed the case and listened to the tape recording; the word was a name.  By 0730, Dan and Gary were at Willie Mak's parents' house. Willie happened to call, and his parents handed the phone to Dan Melton, who told him to "just come home," "Just get over here, your parents are upset and need you to come home," and hung up. A short time later, Willie arrived and was booked.

Benjamin Ng was arrested via location information plied by Bernie Lau #3354, but Tony Ng proved more elusive; After 500+ days, Gary and FBI agents extradited Tony from Calgary, Alberta. 

In another interesting case which was assigned to Dan Engle #2777, Gary and Dan were sent to find the gun used by a female assassin who had shot the intended victim, and threw the gun in a nearby dumpster. Gary and Dan went to the collection center, determined where to search, and dove in; They had found the gun in less than five minutes. The suspect was arrested as she was boarding a plane at SeaTac. Ann Rule referred to them as the "Garbage Can Detectives" in one of her novels.

Gary had been heavily involved in the Chinatown area after the Wah Mee Massacre. He was trusted by many in the community. During this time, there had been a large influx of gang activity. The "Asian Gang Task Force" was created, and Gary was the Detective assigned to the unit. This small unit later evolved into the Gang Unit as the Bloods and Crips came to Seattle. 

Gary's last ten years were spent in the Organized Criminal Intelligence Unit, working alongside Jack Kriney #2990 and Lt. Bob Holter #1993. Before he retired on June 2, 1993, Gary said he had the good fortune to have worked with good people like Dan Melton, John Gray, Joe Sanford, Bill Moffatt, Joe Lam, and Charlie McClure. 

Retirement brought many adventures for Gary and his wife. They loved to travel and spent many winters in Kauai, Hawaii. In addition, they enjoyed travels to Alaska, the Mediterranean, the Mexican Riviera, China, and the Panama Canal. Another favorite pastime was attending live theater on their annual trip to Ashland, Oregon, for the Shakespeare Festival or a local community theater.

Gary was a friendly, outgoing person who never really knew strangers; they were just friends he hadn't met yet. 

Gary is survived by his wife of 62 years, Virginia; his daughter Kim and son Kyle, three grandchildren; and many more who were either born into the family or acquired family. 

Dennis Hossfeld #4401, Retired Seattle Police Officer, passed away on January 10, 2023, at 77 years of age.

Dennis was born in Enid, Oklahoma. His family moved around often as his father was in the Air Force. His freshman through Junior years were spent at Ernest Harmon Air Force Base in Newfoundland. Dennis graduated from high school in Chippakee Falls, Massachusetts.

Dennis’ family had built a home in Arizona when Dennis was a toddler. This is where he returned to attend Northern Arizona State University and joined Sigma Nu Fraternity. Dennis’ Dad told him to “pick a major, or I’m pulling your tuition money.” Dennis’ roommate was a criminal justice major, so Dennis chose it as his Major. Dennis met his future wife, Tath, at school via a mutual friend. Dennis graduated with a BS in Criminal Justice.

Dennis was hired at Costa Mesa Police Department in June 1968. He served in many capacities,
including Canine, Civil disorder, Fraud, Vice, and auto theft. Dennis vacationed in Seattle many times and decided to move. Dennis was hired by SPD on April 16, 1980. His first assignment was working at South Precinct, Georgetown, with Bruce Wind #3995 as his first partner.

From about 1982 to 1992, Dennis was a member of the Board of Directors from 1982 until 1992.

From 1985 until 1987, Dennis was assigned to the Academy as a TAC officer under Captain Mike Germann #2714. He then transferred to Auto Theft. In 1988, Dennis was awarded the “3M Vehicle Theft Investigators Award”. He had discovered a chop shop netting 27 vehicles totaling $400,000, and the twelve suspects were convicted of 27 felony charges. 

In 1993, Auto Theft was rampant in Seattle. Captain Dan Oliver #3127 was in Major Crimes and was tasked with reducing this problem. Dan assigned Dennis, and along with other detectives, extensively reducing auto theft rates throughout the greater region.

Dennis then returned to Auto Theft, but in 1998, the problem crept up again. Dennis and others broke up another international auto theft ring, recovering 50 cars and netting 20 felony convictions. Dennis received the National Auto Theft Investigator of the Year Achievement Award.  

The Auto Theft Squad would get together for what Dennis called “Walk About Friday.” Dennis along with Gary Lindell #2464, Jon Olson #3484, Hiro Yamashita #4549, Paul Suguro #4452, and Sgt Gordy Vanrooy #3065 would walk and talk and have a meal together.

Dennis was a proud member of the SPD Bowling Team along with Jules Werner #3276, Jerry Fernandez #3808, Dick Rovig #1920, Nick Bulpin #2185, and Chris Wrede #4294.

Dennis finished his career in the Auto Theft Unit on January 31, 2012, after 31 years of service.

Dennis loved to travel anywhere his son was stationed in his retirement years, resulting in
many Hawaiian vacations. He enjoyed snow skiing, water rafting, canoeing in the Colorado River, and camping. Dennis wanted to help find a solution for the dropout rate of Camp Fire girls, to encourage the girls to stay on, Dennis became what some would call a “den mother” and alongside all the Camp Fire girls, Dennis took English Riding lessons!

Dennis held the RAP President title from 2014 to 2015 and always enjoyed seeing fellow retirees.

In 2001, Tath registered Dennis up for his first 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk. Little did Dennis know it was a 60-mile walk. He was hooked from the start and continued his participation for eight more years!  Dennis sustained an ankle injury on one of the walks but still wanted to support the cause, so he rode bike support for a while. He then progressed to crew member status for the next five years; You could spot Dennis wearing a pink bra and tutu, supporting everyone alongside around him.

Dennis is predeceased by his brother Tom, whom he had a lifelong competition with, so much so that when Dennis passed, his son Chris remarked that he could hear Uncle Tom say to Dad, “But I got here first!”.  

Dennis is survived by his wife of 54 years, Tath, their son Chris, two granddaughters, and many.
loved ones.

Dick Rovig #1920, retired Seattle Police Detective, passed away on January 1, 2023, at 88 years of age. 

Dick was born and raised in Seattle and graduated from Lincoln High School. He went to work with Boeing and eventually started working alongside his dad on a troopship transporting GIs to Korea via Yokohama and Okinawa. Dick saw the writing on the wall and knew he would be drafted, so Dick volunteered for a two-year stint in the Army. He completed basic training at Fort Carson, Colorado, and advanced in armor training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Dick could drive a Patton Tank before he could drive a car legally!  

Once Dick was honorably discharged in 1957, he started working as a trainee in the ocean marine insurance business. He married and returned to work at Boeing, where he began contributing to the employee newsletter. The big buzz around was the World’s Fair was coming, and Seattle Police were hiring, so Dick took the test.  

Dick entered class #40 alongside Jim Johnson #1979, Carolyn Byron #1853, Jim Philbrick #1932, Kay Kemmis #1886, Frank McGlothlin #1929, and Dean Olsen #1893. He carpooled to classes with Charlie Lindblom #1890, Nat Crawford #1931, and Vic Heins #1882. 
Dick’s first assignment was to Patrol downtown, first watch relief. He eventually transferred to Wallingford Station. The department drove ’57 Chevys or ’58 Fords. Most were refurbished from the Engineering Department fleet. 

Dick was ready for more challenges, so he transferred to Special Enforcement. This squad was recognized by Chief Frank Ramon #641 for multiple on-view felony arrests. Dick asked to move to three-wheelers and later to Accident Investigations, called the Traffic Special Detail.

Dick had always worked part-time in the family grocery business in Magnolia and was persuaded to resign and go full-time into the grocery business. With the help of Captain Carl Reinbolt #401 and Lt. Lyle LaPointe, Dick returned to police work 11 months after his resignation.

In 1967, Dick was appointed to the SPOG Board of Directors vacant position by Wayne Larkin #1352. Needing a way to communicate with members involving local and state law enforcement, Dick reflected on his love of journalism in High School and at Boeing. So, on November 12, 1971, Dick started “The Guardian.”  

In the early ’70s, Dick went to community Relations under Captain Bill Rhodes #1142, becoming known as the “Voice of the Seattle Police Department.” The unit had purchased a “Code a-phone,” a telephone answering device. It was Dick’s job to record police news, traffic conditions, and miscellaneous information for public dissemination. News stations would call and play the recordings over the air. Dick signed off each recording with “This is Dick Rovig, Public Information, Seattle Police.” 

Dick worked in Criminal Investigations Admin Unit, handling research for then Bureau Chief (Chief) Bob Hanson #899, and eventually went back to Patrol, working 2N2 under Sgt. Craig VandePutte #2246 and took the Detective test.  

On June 6, 1973, Dick married Patsy. He kept busy on his days off with volunteering for various activities, including serving as Treasurer for SPAA, co-chair of a few Police Balls, being President of the Golf Association, and putting on GRAM events, to name just a few projects. 

Around 1975, Dick was assigned as a Detective to the Juvenile Unit with Sgt Bob Davis #1758. In 1982, Dick ran for Guild President and served in that role from 1982 to 1984. Dick remained Editor of The Guardian until his retirement on November 15, 1989, and continued as Editor Emeritus until approximately 2009. 

Shortly after his retirement, Dick was appointed to the RSPOA Board. He was named Editor of the Washington Policeman/Police Officer, the Washington State Council of Police officers, now WACOPS Quarterly magazine. 

In 2022, Dick moved into an Assisted Living Facility; not one to sit around, Dick created a newsletter and published a daily crossword puzzle for all residents. 

Dick worked tirelessly and volunteered thousands of hours to improve benefits, pay, and working conditions that still exist today because of his leadership. This does not include the countless hours volunteering to create or edit newspapers and chairing and managing events, golfing trips, and fun family events for all.

Dick is survived by his wife of 49 years, Patsy, their five children, Kelly, Lynn, Ted, Mark, and Joon, and five grandchildren. 

John Mason #2884, Retired Seattle Police Assistant Chief passed away on January 1, 2023, at 79 years of age. 
John was born in Shuqualak, Mississippi. His family moved to Omaha, Nebraska, and he graduated from Central High School. John was drafted into the US Army and served at Fort Lewis for approximately two years. When his military time was close to the end, he applied to Seattle PD. The military had a six-month early release provision, so he was discharged from the army then hired on April 23, 1968.

John was in Academy #56 along with, John Nordlund #2909, Gary Lindell #2464, Al Lima #2898, Wes Ferris #2908, Alex Thole #2521, Ken Baggen #2523, and Jerry Smith #2876, to name a few.

After the academy, John briefly went to Patrol in the Central Precinct working with new hire Dan Oliver #3127. Then he worked in Traffic Enforcement and Motorcycles for the next three years.

One night in April 1972, John went dancing at a club in Everett. This is where he met his future wife, Shirley. They married seven months later.

In 1973, John went to 1st Watch South; his squad included lifelong friends Dale Drain #2967 and Les Yeager #2436. They patrolled the Rainier Valley area.

Even after retirement, this South precinct group and many others that started long ago still get together for coffee once a week. 
On October 5, 1977, John was promoted to Sergeant. He obtained a degree from the University of Puget Sound through the LEAP program. John’s family was growing, and they enjoyed camping. There were many camping trips between other friends including with the family of Ron Sylve #3537.

In October 1980, John was promoted to Lieutenant and worked alongside Major Joe Tolliver #1901 in the Community Service Officer program.

John was promoted to Captain on March 31, 1992 and assigned to the Gang Unit where he had Lt. Emett Kelsie #2794 by his side. Lt. Kelsie was talking with John in his office when the phone rang, and it was an Assistant Chief. As the conversation progressed, so did the volume. When John loudly told the A/Chief, “You can do whatever you want, just transfer me out,” Emett pulled the handset out of John’s hands and said, “Hi, hi, can I help you Chief?” As John’s obituary states, “John stood tall” and always had his unit and personnel’s best interest at heart. John’s next assignment was Vice prior to returning to the South Precinct as the Precinct Captain on April 6, 1994.

John earned the nickname “Cheap John” in his early years. A title he wore like a badge of honor! John was talented at finding deals and doing intensive research to get the best deal. It is widely known that Dan Oliver #3127 and John would go to lunch, when the bill arrived, the standoff started, as did many laughs.

In mid-1997, John was promoted to Assistant Chief and one of his units was Training, with Les Yeager #2436 again by his side. A year or so later, when the official word came that the Public Safety Building would be replaced by a new Justice Center, the department assigned A/Chief Mason to function as the liaison for the planning, architecture, construction, and opening. Groundbreaking took place just after John retired on April 14, 1999, with 31 years of service. 

After settling on travel as his next vocation, John researched, found deals, and set sail on cruises. John and Shirley traveled extensively with Dale #2967 and Tina #4186 Drain, as well as Les #2436 and Gail Yeager. They visited throughout the Caribbean, sailed trans-Atlantic a couple of times, and saw the likes of Dubai, Israel, Europe, and Africa, including a safari in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. John’s last cruise was a few weeks prior to his passing.

John is survived by his wife of 50 years, Shirley; his daughter Jennifer; son Kim and many loved ones, both family and friends.