Federal Way Police Department Chief Andy Hwang awarded a number of Police Chief Citations to police officers, civilian staff members and community members for their help with assisting Lee Emory-Rosengreen after a U-Haul truck with all of her possessions was stolen earlier this summer.

“I would like to highlight the excellent work and compassion of our department members, local charitable organizations and businesses for quickly stepping and coming together to make a meaningful difference for Ms. Emory,” Hwang said at the Federal Way City Council’s Sept. 2 meeting. “This is the type of thing that makes the Federal Way community a great place to live.”

Those from the department receiving the citation were Lt. Raymond Bunk, Officer Shawn Warrick, Officer George Green, the department’s civilian operations manager Cathy Schrock and property and evidence supervisor Johnny Rodriguez.

“This is the cool stuff about being a cop,” Bunk said. “When we can actually find something, rally behind it and are able to take care of it.”

The civilians receiving the citations included Dan Papke, owner of Hart Insurance and the Multi-Service Center’s Manuela Ginnett and Maju Qureshi.

“I don’t see it as a big thing, but anytime somebody can step up and help out and do the right thing, I think it’s the right thing,” Papke said. “When it comes time to do a little bit of something, it’s nice to be able to help out.”

Emory-Rosengreen was present at the meeting and shared her thoughts about the help her new community has provided her in this time of need.

“I can’t really express enough how much it meant to me to see people stepping up and showing some real genuine kindness for my traumatic plight,” she said. “It was very traumatic to lose everything you own; it’s almost like having a fire.”

She added that after police recovered the truck, there was literally nothing left except for some of her clothing.

“I had to do laundry for three days because they unzipped my luggage and threw everything on the ground. It was a real mess,” she said. “Everyone that helped, and everyone that contributed to helping me out, I appreciate it more than I can ever say. And I tell you, it’s just really significant to see a police department step up and do something like that for an old lady. Thank you very much.”

Emory-Rosengreen had just moved to Federal Way earlier this summer when her U-Haul truck carrying all of her possessions was stolen, including the remains of her late husband.

Those who came together to help her were able to provide a bed, a sofa, a television and other similar items.