On a quiet Sunday morning, November 29, 2009, four lives were taken in what can only be called a vicious act of cowardice. I will not, however, dwell on the coward who committed this horrendous crime, but on the people affected by his actions and the terrific community support being offered the officers' families and co-workers of the Lakewood Police Department. From the heartwarming offering from Seattle Police Officer Timothy Brenton's family to the families of the four Lakewood officers, the terrific fundraising effort by Papa John's Pizza, the blue Christmas light remembrance in honor of the fallen officers, to the little children wondering who will take care of the "policeman's kids." These and many more such offerings of help, expressions of sadness, grief, anger and just plain disbelief have engulfed all our lives over the past weeks.

On Saturday, December 5, Marysville held their annual "Merrysville for the Holidays" celebration in Comeford Park. I would like to thank Jim Ballew and the entire staff of the Marysville Parks and Recreation Department for their help in setting up an area where we collected signatures in a book of condolence for the Lakewood Police Department and the families of the four fallen officers, and Tom Tonne for his help and support. I want to thank the citizens of the Marysville community and those visiting from other cities who took the time to sign the book and give a donation in honor of the Lakewood officers.

Because of our citizens, we collected well over 350 signatures along with donations of a little over $300. Among the signatures were several pictures drawn by some young citizens who could not sign their names but wanted to let the "kids" know they cared. The donations will go to the fund established in the names of the fallen officers and the book will be taken to the Lakewood Police Department with the help of the Marysville Police Department. We had many people ask where they could make a donation; there has been an account set up at Bank of America.

For many of us, this loss will be felt for quite some time to come, and for others the memory of these last weeks will fade in short order. For the members of police and fire departments from all over the region, these names-Officers Mark Renninger, Tina Griswold, Gregory Richards, Ron Owens and Timothy Brenton-will remain in their minds and hearts forever.

During this holiday season, take a moment out of your busy life to remember these officers, their families, and all of the police and fire personnel who put their lives on the line for each of us every day. Take a moment to say "thank you" or drop off a card at your local police or fire department, letting them know you appreciate all they do.

Don't let these names disappear from memory. Keep them, their families, and your local police and fire department officers in your hearts each day, never to be forgotten.

Cheryl Deckard

Marysville