Thousands of people gathered at the Tacoma Dome yesterday to honor the late Pierce County Deputy Kent Mundell, Jr. Mundell, 44, died when authorities say David E. Crable, 35, shot Mundell and Sgt. Nick Hausner, 43, during a domestic disturbance call near Eatonville on Dec. 21. Crable was killed by the officers. Hausner is recovering from his wounds. Mundell was taken off life support at a Seattle hospital on Dec. 28.
For the past 10 years, Mundell served the community as a Deputy Sheriff in the Mountain Detachment of Pierce County.
During yesterday’s ceremony, members of Pierce County government, law enforcement, Gov. Chris Gregoire, and Mundell’s family paid their respects.
“I’ve stood now too many times in front of grieving law enforcement families,” said Gov. Gregoire. “My sorrow is great. My resolve is even greater. We must protect those who protect us. No tragedy will erode our commitment to justice.
“There was no limit to Deputy Mundell’s commitment,” she added. “He responded when called, no matter who asked, no matter how daunting the task.”
Mundell’s mother, Patricia Stafford, commented, “He was truly a warrior who counted the price before entering the battle. He had an unrestrained joy and enthusiasm for life. He was called to law enforcement. His life was meaningful.
“He told me that someday he might be called upon, and he felt that he would, to give his life,” she added. “He said other people would view him as a hero, but he said, ‘Mom, I’m not. I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.'”
“I’m sorry for the loss of a deeply good man,” said Pierce County Sheriff Paul Pastor. “Kent was a man who took the idea of service seriously.
“We will not fear to do our jobs,” he added. “We will not hesitate to carry out our mission.”
“Being a cop was not something Kent Mundell did, it was who he was,” said Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy. “I stand here today representing the 3,000 employees who lost a wonderful colleague, as well as 813,000 county residents who lost a protector.
“He selflessly gave his life in the service and protection of others,” she added.
The memorial was preceded by a procession that began in Puyallup and included Deputy Mundell’s family, Pierce County Sheriff’s Department Mountain Detachment, Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, South Pierce Fire & Rescue, Graham Fire, Lakewood Police Department, Puyallup Police Department, Seattle Police Department, and Washington State Patrol.
People interested in making a donation to Mundell’s family can do so at any branch of Columbia Bank (for a list of branches, visit http://www.columbiabank.com ). Additionally, the Pierce County Deputy Sheriffs Guild is accepting donations on their Web site http://www.pcdsguild.com . Tapco Credit Union has also set up an account, which can accept donation at any of their locations, or online at http://www.tapcocu.org .
