LA CONNER, Wash. – Before becoming a Seattle police officer, Timothy Brenton worked for the Hoquiam Police Department, then moved to la Conner, where he spent three years serving the citizens there.
Flags flew at half staff at La Conner City Hall Monday to honor Brenton after he was shot and killed Saturday night, in what police believe was a planned hit.
"It's a day of mourning for the town of La Conner. It's not a good day to be mayor," said Mayor Ramon Hayes.
La Conner, the idyllic waterfront town of just about 1,000 residents, is known for its art galleries and antique stores.
Today, a somber cloud sits over the town.
"I believe that Tim died a hero," said former La Conner police chief Larry Yonally. He hired Brenton in 1997 to patrol the streets. He calls Brenton a natural and intelligent.
"He was always cheerful, always had a good sense of humor. I think it was because of his love of the job and his family life at home," said Yonally.
In 2001, the La Conner Police Department disbanded and the Skagit County Sheriff's Office took over. Yonally remembers the day Brenton moved to the Seattle Police Department.
"Tim had mentioned that his dad was a Seattle police officer. His uncle was a Seattle police officer and that he wanted to follow in those footsteps of his father, which was very commendable. It showed me he had great values and dedication to the profession," said Yonally.
Retired Seattle assistant chief Harry Bailey knows the officer's family well and said Brenton was a no-nonsense cop.
"He really didn't like a lot of accolades about what he was doing he just went about his business in a very professional manner," said Bailey.
Brenton was 39-year-old with two children, ages 8 and 11-years-old.
Cards to the family or Police Dept. and donations for the family may be sent to:
Family of Officer Timothy Brenton
C/O Seattle Police Department
1519 12th Ave
Seattle, WA 98122-3907
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