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Washington state honors heroic and fallen officers with special distinction

Two fallen officers were added to Washington's Law Enforcement Memorial on Friday. Nine other officers were given a Medal of Honor, the state's highest distinction.

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The names of two law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty last year are now part of the state’s Law Enforcement Memorial: Homeland Security Special Agent Timothy Ensley and Kent Police Officer Diego Moreno.

Ensley died in June 2018 from medical complications suffered while training police in Indonesia.

Moreno was killed the next month during a police pursuit.

In addition to the officers who died, nine others were honored Friday for “meritorious conduct.”

They received the state’s highest distinction, the Medal of Honor.

“Thank you for your service. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for your example,” said Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson. 

Vancouver Police Officer Rick Rich received the medal for his actions during a 2017 chase involving a bank robber.

Rich and two fellow officers shot and killed the suspect after he crashed and started firing at them.

Rich said he didn’t feel like he should receive a special honor for doing his job, but he appreciated it.

“It’s nice to know we’re supported by our community,” said Rich.

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