EPHRATA, Wash. - Law enforcement from around the region filled the Big Bend Community College gymnasium Monday to honor a Grant County Sheriff's deputy who died in a fatal crash.
Deputy John Bernard died Sunday, January 3 while driving his patrol vehicle nine miles south of Ephrata. He lost control of the vehicle and rolled it over a short embankment.
Among the speakers at Monday's service was fellow Grant County Sheriff's Deputy Earl Romig, who was shot two years ago while hunting near Soap Lake.
"John said he loved me," Romig told the crowd of hundreds. "He was my friend, he was my pal."
Washington Governor Christine Gregoire also spoke at Bernard's service, presenting his wife with the State of Washington flag.
"I have seen too many of our officers in recent times," said Gregoire, commenting on the number of memorial services for officers in recent months. "I've stood before too many grieving families. Each time I'm struck by not only the courage of those we've lost, but the courage and strength of those they've left behind. My heart is with you during this difficult time." Bernard is the seventh law enforcement officer to die while on duty in Washington since October.
Bernard was not on his way to an emergency and he was wearing a seat belt when his patrol car left a road and rolled
Autopsy results showed Bernard died as a result of severe head trauma from the one-car crash, according to Undersheriff John Turley.
Bernard was battling cancer at the time of his death. Medical examiners have not determined whether Bernard had a medical emergency, possibly causing the crash.
The 52-year-old Moses Lake man was a 4-year veteran of the sheriff's office.
Bernard leaves a wife and two sons. One, Brandon Bernard, is also a Grant County sheriff's deputy.
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