Sad news

We were greeted this morning with news that a local police officer had been killed in the line of duty Christmas Day. This is a first for Kenai, from what the mayor says. That alone is shocking enough.

But, Officer John Watson was a buddy - a motorcycling buddy - a guy who wore his uniform proudly and who was a gentle giant. John was the kind of guy you would want on your side if you were in a battle of some sort. He always had a ready smile and was able to tame a situation from frenzied to normal.

He would pose for photos with kiddos (my grands included) and passed out sticker "real" police shields to them happily at 4th of July and other functions.

He answered the call of the State Troopers Christmas night - a call to help find a missing car - he found the car, and (details are sketchy) was shot shortly thereafter. The shooter was arrested after a long stand-off with Soldotna police, Alaska State Troopers and Kenai police officers.

John was an 18 year veteran with Kenai Police Department. He leaves behind a wife of just a few years.

I will miss him.

Posted by Purplemoose at December 26, 2003 09:26 AM