Federal Way Police Chief Brian Wilson honored six members of the police department during the Federal Way City Council meeting Sept. 20.
Detective Heather Castro, officers Chris Martin and Nick Wong, Commander Chris Norman, Quartermaster Kristen Gregory, and crime analyst prevention specialist Lindsey Tiroux were honored.
Martin and Tiroux were awarded with commendation medals for their actions following the death of officer Brian Walsh in 2010.
“Lindsey stayed at the Walsh family home and took care of Brian’s small children over a period of months,” Wilson said. “Lindsey attended the National Memorial Week in Washington, D.C., earlier this year during one of the most emotionally and physically demanding weeks for the Walsh family.”
Wilson said Martin was one of Walsh’s best friends.
“Chris provided countless hours of service to Brian’s family, assisting with official arrangement, processing of benefit applications, and coordinating official events on a local, state and national level,” he said. “Chris served as the escort officer at the National Law Enforcement Memorial for the Walsh family and the Federal Way Police Department.”
Norman received a commendation medal for his presence and influence in the community.
“(He) led and managed the development of the Safe City Program,” he said. “He is the liaison to St. Francis Hospital and is an active member of the Cops and Docs Program. He’s fostered positive community relationships through the School Resource Officer Program and The Commons Mall. He has outstanding visibility and relationships in the Federal Way community.”
Castro received a certificate of merit for her willingness and can-do attitude when she became a detective and took on a child rape case in 2007.
“She kept the case alive for over two and a half years, with frequent contacts with the family and working with the victim in order to obtain enough information to forward charges on the suspect. The suspect was arrested following her obtaining probable cause based on her investigative efforts,” he said. “In April 2011, the suspect was found guilty as charged and received an exceptional sentence of 18 years.”
Wong received a Life Saving Medal for his actions during a May 5 car accident on Dash Point Road.
“Officer Wong arrived as the driver stopped breathing,” Wilson said. “Officer Wong, with the assistance of Ashleigh (Ligon) and Nicole (Battles), extricated the driver from the vehicle and they began CPR. Officer Wong’s leadership and quick action with these two citizens saved this driver’s life.”
Gregory, the quartermaster for FWPD, received a certificate of merit for her performance.
“(Quartermaster) is a well defined position that deals with equipment, clothing/uniform items, fleet management, and has a close working relationship with volunteers and staff. The job requires exceptional organizational and human relations skills, and Kristen has it all,” he said.
