SPD Harbor Patrol Loses Officer

The Seattle PD suffered a loss yesterday as Harbor Patrol Officer Jack Lone became the first officer to die on duty in the unit's 100-year history. The details are not clear yet, but somehow Officer Lone fell into the water while he and another officer where attempting to secure a loose tug in the Lake Washington Ship Canal. Lone's partner spotted his police vest and pole in the water at some point during the operation, and entered the water to retrieve him. Lone spent nearly ten minutes six feet under water. Efforts to revive him at the emergency room were not successfull.

From the Seattle Times:

The wind yesterday, combined with the rocky, slippery terrain along the waterfront near Northwest 36th Street and Third Avenue Northwest, made a difficult job even more dangerous, Kerlikowske said. He added that the 25 officers assigned to Harbor Patrol are the department's most highly trained and work not only as police officers but as marine firefighters, rescue divers and boat operators.

The SPD Harbor Unit's website is here.