EVERETT, Wash. — The City of Everett has preserved the memory and honor of Officer Dan Rocha, who was fatally shot in the line of duty in March 2022, with the renaming of a street in the 1000 block of Trojan Way.
On Wednesday, family, friends, elected officials and Everett Police Department colleagues gathered for the unveiling of the street signs. The route is now named Officer Dan Rocha Way, which "will be a lasting testament to his life, legacy and dedication to serving the community," according to an Everett news release.
Rocha was fatally shot on March 22, 2022, in the Starbucks parking lot while he was investigating a convicted felon moving guns between two cars. Richard Rotter was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the killing.
“Renaming a street in Dan’s honor will never truly reflect what Dan meant to his family, friends and our department, but it does represent a meaningful and respectful way to remember his life, legacy and commitment to serving others," said Everett Police Chief Dan Templeman.
Templeman, with support from Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin, approached the Everett Transportation Advisory Committee and the Everett Historical Commission with a roadway name change idea and was met with unanimous approval. On Oct. 11, the Everett City Council unanimously approved an ordinance for the name change.
“Dan was a beloved Everett Police officer who died in the line of duty protecting our community,” said Franklin. “Officer Dan Rocha Way will stand as a lasting reminder of the wonderful hero we lost. We greatly miss Dan, and we will never forget his bravery or his sacrifice.”
