Officer Reginald “Jake” Gutierrez

Two women and two children in Tacoma, WA are alive tonight because police officer Reginald “Jake” Gutierrez sacrificed his life to keep them safe during a domestic violence call.  The perpetrator used the children as human shields during a prolonged SWAT standoff.

Officer Gutierrez’ courage and integrity are rare, and I weep for everyone ~ especially his family during the holidays ~ that we will no longer be blessed with his presence.  He has been described as a “model police officer.”

Pierce County, WA is perhaps one of the worst places in America to experience domestic violence.  David Brame, who was Tacoma’s chief of police, fatally shot his estranged wife Crystal Judson Brame and himself in front of their kids at a Gig Harbor, WA shopping center parking lot.

Seven years and a day before last night’s tragedy, four Lakewood, WA cops were assassinated by a perp out on bail for molesting his daughter.  The judge who let him out on bail threw the book at a couple of punks who stoned a stray dog to death.

Pierce County deputy sheriff Walter “Kent” Mundell was gunned down during a domestic violence call near Eatonville in Pierce County, WA on December 21, 2009.

Officer Reginald “Jake” Gutierrez was a really good guy who will be missed.  He joins the late Deputy Walter “Kent” Mundell and Sgt. Nick Hausner on my wall of heroes.  These brave officers were shot by David E. Crable, who was a repeat domestic violence offender, on December 21, 2009 ~ just a few weeks after the Lakewood cops were assassinated.

A memorial fund has been set up for Officer Gutierrez’ family.