posted 11/06/09 12:12 PM | updated 11/06/09 12:19 PM
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Memorial for Officer Brenton

By scott
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The doors have been open for an hour now at Key Arena. I found this man waving a flag from the top of the pavilion near the arena:
12:16PM - Mountees outside the arena:
12:18PM - There's no lines to get in, and quick security if you don't have a bag
12:23PM - Seating for the public is in sections 104 and 106 at the back of the
arena. It's about 1/3 full so far.
1:00PM - The program is opening with a statement from Deputy Chief Kimerer and
a Posting Of Colors from the Regional Honor Guard.

Other speakers include Chief Diaz, Mayor Nickels, Gov. Gregoire, and
former Chief Kerlikowski
1:03PM - Kimerer: "we are in this arena today as a symbol of respect... And a
way to find meaning in an unconscionable act"

"we will grieve over a life cut short"

"he achieved what we all strive for, to live a life of meaning and
honor"
1:06PM - The honor guard has entered to a bugle call, echoing voice commands,
and a snare drum. They're frming up in a lie down the middle and on
each side of the floor, composed of members of many different law
enorcement agencies from throughout the region.
1:15PM - Officer Brenton's family was just led into the arena, and escorted
down the middle row as the honor guard saluted on each side. They were
followed by about two dozen officers from the East Precinct, and all
took their seats in front of the podium.

Now a band of bagpipes and drums have entered the arena, slowly
marching up to the front of podium.
1:24PM - An amazing rendition of the national anthem by the SPD Women's Trio.

They also sang Oh Canada in honor of the numerous Canadian mountees
and other officers in attendance.
1:32PM - Officer Brenton's cap sits on a small table in the middle if the
stage, flanked by folded US and Wasington State flags.

The honor guard is now leaving the floor to the beat if a snare drum,
and the invocation by Chaplain John Oas is next.
1:38PM - "he comes from a family of public servants"

His father designed the SPD badge.

Officer Brenton served in the Gulf War, saw the Berlin Wall torn diwn
while serving in Germany, and was on the East Precinct Anti-Crime team
before returning to patrol as a training officer.
1:44PM - Diaz: "we lost a great police officer"

"his life was cut short last Saturday s a cruel and cowardly attack"

"freedom and justice don't just happen. It takes men and women of
justice to ensure and protect those values"

Field Training Officer "one if the most important roles in any police
department", and their feedback is one of the biggest factors to
whether a trainee is allowed to become a full-time officer.
1:47PM - "As a community, we can never forget the sacrifice that Timothy gave"

"a great man, a great law enforcement officer, and a wonderful husband
and father"
1:54PM - Mayor Nickels: "a despicable and evil act"

"a home grown hero... He always wanted to be a Seattle police officer
like his dad"

"1,300 men and women of spd leave their homes each day, with their
families not knowing if they will make it back home"

Ms. Brenton "wants everyone to know how the outpouring of support has
helped them"

"let us remember we are all in this together"

No matter which man wins the mayors race, neither will be able to give
a speech like Nickels.
1:57PM - Gov Gregoire: "our law enforcement community protects all if us each
day"

"putting on a uniform is an act of courage every day"
1:59PM - An officer just escorted Gov. Gregoire off the stage, carrying the
folded WA state flag, which was presented to Mrs. Brenton.
2:02PM - Kerlikowski: "he died doing what he loved"
2:13PM - Officer Evan Ehring, worked with Tim since 12/2000: "he wasn't the pat
me on the back because I'm a hero type"

At a big key arena disturbance: shots fired, Brenton acted quick to
protect a woman from danger.

Driving not his best skill. "one night we were chasing an SUV but we
lost it because Tim was driving"

After finding the SUV, Tim pulled out a weapon. Kid said it wasn't
his, Tim said "oh yeah, that's mine" and put it back in his holster.
2:24PM - Officer Eugene Shubeck:

Worked with Tim in LaConner. A resident asked them to kick his door in
because he was locked out. Tim had never done that before, and but did
a "perfect Hollywood style" door kick right through a hollow door.

In army, Brenton was in the US Airborne as a forward communications
specialist.

Tim talked him into applying at SPD. They got their badges on the same
day.

"I'll remember Tim as my friend. I'm glad he was my friend. And i'm
glad his family will remain my friend"
2:38PM - Lots of sniffles in the crowd as a video plays with snapshots of
Officer Brenton's family and career.
2:52PM - The benediction has been given, and the honor guard has filed back
onto the floor of the arena.

Bagpipes are playing again in the front-left corner next to the stage,
and room has been left in the center aisle for the family to be
escorted out.

We're told that a 21-gun salute will follow from the passageway above
the stage.
3:04PM - The head of the SPD honor guard has taken the folded US flag from its
spot in the stage, and six other members of the guard are unfolding it
very slowly.

The audience is dead quiet with the exception of the occasional sniffle.

The flag was then held straight across at an angle that made it
visible to the audience, and then folded back into it's triangular
shape by the honor guard, saluted, and taken down for presentation to
the Brenton family.
3:17PM - Bugels just played taps, echoing from opposite sides of the arena.

Then a dispatcher came on the PA, announcing "George 13... George
13... George 13 is 950. Gone, but never forgotten"

The pall-bearers then led the family back out of the arena.
3:21PM - "let us go forth in peace, honoring the memory of Officer Timothy
Brenton by taking care of one another"

The service is now concluded.
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