2007 Medal of Honor Photo Gallery

 
"Their duty was to serve.  Our duty is to remember."

 
This the first year of the combined Washington State Law Enforcement Medal of Honor/Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony at the Capitol Campus site.

 
Seattle Fire Department Pipes Band leads the processional in the Opening Ceremonies.

 
Vocalists Renee Witt and Krista Blair with Master of Ceremonies, Scott Somers, as the Honor Guards approach to open the ceremony.

 
Color Guard leads the procession of Honor Guard members from throughout Washington State and Canada.  A special thanks goes out to our Canadian brothers and sisters who were in attendance.

There were in excess of 175 Honor Guard members that attended the ceremony to honor our fallen officers.

 
Following the main body of Honor Guards was the Washington State Patrol Rifle Team.

 
Chaplain Dale Schlack, Lynnwood PD, gave the Invocation.

 
Chief Kerlikowske and Ernie Barber listen to the words of Chaplain Schlack during the Invocation.

 
The Honorable Christine Gregoire, Governor, addresses the audience and read the Proclamation.

 
Governor Gregoire hands the Proclamation to Attorney General Rob McKenna in preparation for his comments.

 
Attorney General Rob McKenna sets the tone for the upcoming awards ceremony.

 
MC Somers introduces Sgt. Brian Johnston, President of the WSLEMF, who read the "Roll Call of Honor."

 
Sgt. Johnston read the "Roll Call of Honor," which are the new names of officers added to the Memorial Wall.

Honor Guard Commanders Roger Dixon and John-Paul Sager, present the Memorial Wreath in honor of our fallen officers.

 
The Medal of Honor Committee members await the first recipient with Governor Gregoire and Attorney General McKenna.

 
Governor Gregoire presents the medal to Kiane Thomas, on behalf of her son, Officer Edwanton Thomas, of the Brier Police Department.  Accompanying Ms. Thomas is Chief Don Lane.

 
Attorney General McKenna presents Ms. Thomas with a portrait of her son.

 
Chief Lane ushers Ms. Thomas back to her seat.

 
Special Honor Guard Detail accompanies Maria Cox, with her son Bronson, and Sheriff Rahr to the stage.

 
Governor Gregoire drapes the medal around the neck of Maria Cox, on behalf of her husband Steven Cox.  Sheriff Rahr and Cox's daughter, Nicole, look on as Maria receives the medal. 

 
Attorney General McKenna presents Ms. Cox with the portrait of her husband.

 
Closing photo with Attorney General, Governor and the Cox family.

 
Honor Guard detail accompanies Karen Kittleson, along with Sheriff Gene Dana to the stage.

 
Governor Gregoire presents the medal to Ms. Kittleson as well as making a special comment to her.

 
Attorney General McKenna presents Ms. Kittleson with a portrait of her father, Ronald (Dick) Rhodes, and shares a few words with her.

 
Attorney General McKenna and Governor Gregoire, along with Medal of Honor committee members, reflect upon the presentations as MC Somers introduces another recipient.

 
Ernie and Mitz Barber, accompanied by Chief Kerlikowske, come forward to accept the medal on behalf of their son, Officer Joselito Barber.

 
Ernie Barber accepts the medal from Governor Gregoire.

Governor Gregoire greets the other members of the Barber family.

 
A tribute to Officer Barber and his family.

 
Larry Strauss, Renton PD, accompanied by his wife Rema, and Chief Kevin Milosevich, are ushered to the stage by the Honor Guard.

 
Governor Gregoire presents the Medal to Officer Strauss for Serious Injury in the Line of Duty.

 
Attorney General McKenna presents Ms. Strauss with a portrait of her husband.

 
A group photo with the Governor and Attorney General for an award well deserved.

 
Trooper Kelly Kalmbach, accompanied by the Honor Guard and Chief Batiste, is ushered forward to receive her medal for Serious Injury in the Line of Duty.

 
Governor Gregoire prepares to bestow the medal upon Trooper Kalmbach.

 
Attorney General McKenna congratulates Trooper Kalmbach.

 
A very proud Chief Batiste stands for a photo with Trooper Kalmbach, Attorney General McKenna and Governor Gregoire

 
Chaplain Joel Ingebritson, King County Sheriff's Office, gives the Benediction at the closing of the medal presentation.

 
Reflecting upon a very emotional ceremony.

 
Retiring of the Colors.

The completion of the ceremony with the "21" Gun Salute, followed by Taps.