OLYMPIA, Wash. — A memorial is growing outside the Washington State Patrol district headquarters in Marysville for a trooper killed on the side of Interstate 5 early Saturday morning.
A member of law enforcement has been there standing vigil as a sign of respect since the memorial was formed.
The tragedy on the interstate took a young father from his child, a state trooper from the line of duty and left a community with the urge to do something.
“The whole situation makes my heart ache, but to see these flowers – there’s something redeeming about it,” said William Livermore of Lake Stevens. “My wife and I wanted to bring flowers by to show some sort of support for these men and women who put their lives on the line every day they go to work. I don’t think a lot of people these days appreciate that."
As plans for a service come together, this has operated as an initial gathering place for a community in mourning. Most of the people who left flowers Monday did not know 27-year-old State Trooper Christopher Gadd – though all were motivated by heartbreak.
“I’ve shed tears, the patrol is a family and you don’t lose your family when you retire,” said John Sommerfield, a member of the Washington State Patrol who retired in 2002.
Gadd came from a law enforcement family, his sister is a trooper for the Department of Public Safety in Texas and his dad is a current Washington state trooper.
WSP Chief John Batiste knew Gadd and says he knew the rookie trooper had potential.
“I just graduated him recently from his academy class – met his family – which makes it all harder,” Batieste said.
“He had a very bright future ahead of him. Absolutely. Not only that, but I think that he was of the sharpness and the passion for the job that he probably would have climbed through the ranks of the agency. I have no doubts about that.”
Gadd was born in Pasco and graduated high school in Kent. He attended both Green River College and Tacoma Community College before getting hired by WSP in 2021.
His career was just getting started. And as they mourn – the flowers keep coming.
The WSP wants to remind drivers to move over if they see a worker of law enforcement on the side of the road – not as a courtesy but because it is required by law.