In the wake of the brutal slaying of Sgt. Mark Renninger, Officer Greg Richards, Officer Tina Griswold and Officer Ronald Owens of the Lakewood Police Department, the members of the Oak Harbor Police offer our heartfelt thanks to those citizens who have called, personally thanked our officers, left flowers, written letters, and brought cookies and goodies to the department. While our hearts are heavy from this senseless loss, we are grateful and heartened by the acts of the citizens we serve.

We are grateful for this outpouring of support for the law enforcement community in this difficult time. The killing of any law enforcement officer is a traumatic event. With the murders of these four officers and Officer Timothy Brenton in Western Washington in the past six weeks, it has been a very sad time for all of us.

In difficult times like this, it can be easy to focus on the more difficult aspects of our job. Your show of support is a positive reminder to us that we live in a great community, one which supports our efforts to serve it. We are reminded of the good people who care about their families, neighbors and community. We are lucky to live and work here and thank you for reminding us of that. Thank you.”

Rick Wallace, chief

Oak Harbor P.D.