A memorial service was held Tuesday to honor fallen Kent Officer Diego Moreno.
35-year-old Officer Moreno was accidentally struck and killed by a patrol car pursuing a suspect on July 22. The eight-year veteran is survived by his wife and two kids.
The community lined Kent streets Tuesday morning for a procession to Moreno's memorial at the ShoWare Center. Chaplain Pat Ellis introduced a list of speakers to include Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla, Mayor Dana Ralph, and Officer Moreno's mother and wife.
Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla said at Tuesday's memorial, "Serving with compassion simply came naturally for him. And it is evident in the assignments he chose during his career." Padilla continued, "He purposefully chose assignments that put him in position to care for and help people far above the traditional role of bringing bad guys to justice."
Kent Mayor Dana Ralph shared about hosting the Moreno family at her home just hours before his death. She said about his service, "It’s not how these officers died that makes them heroes. It’s how they lived."
Moreno's mother delivered a powerful speech about the lifetime connection she shared with her son. View Lizzie Lee's tribute here:
Officer Moreno's wife Shelly spoke at her husband's service and thanked the community for their support. She spoke about her husband's unwavering commitment for their two young kids, "To say he was protective was an understatement and he loved his children fiercely."
Washington Governor Jay Inslee presented Moreno's wife with a flag and shared his condolences with the family.
Regarding the community's show of support, Pierce County Sheriff Paul Pastor said, "It is humbling. It shows that there is tremendous support there."
At least 85 different law enforcement agencies participated in the procession, and about 3,000 people are expected to attend the memorial.
When a member of law enforcement is lost, Pastor said it's not just the officer's immediate circle that feels the impacts, but other departments and the community at large.
"There are ripple effects," Pastor said.
"People see the risks that they take and they identify with these risks," he continued.
"The police, they have their lives in their hands all the time," Crawford said. "They’re taking care of us."
Before serving with Kent Police, Moreno worked at The Little Gym, where he taught kids gymnastics. Former colleagues said Moreno taught with “great compassion and care for each kid.”
