Remembered

2009 has been one of those years for local officer deaths. Not too much to say, we are all affected in some way. It is comforting to know that although we have experienced more deaths in our region, as a nation 2009 was the lowest number of officer deaths in several years. 2009=120, 2008=138, 2007=193, 2006=156, 2005=164, 2004=164, 2003=147, 2002=159, 2001=242 (72 on 9-11).

Washington still has one more local deputy to remember as we start 2010.
Deputy Sheriff John Bernard
Grant County Sheriff's Office Washington

End of Watch: Sunday, January 3, 2010

Age: 52 Tour of Duty: 4 years

Cause of Death: Automobile accident

Deputy John Bernard was killed in a single vehicle automobile accident. He was on patrol when his vehicle left the roadway and rolled at Road No. 5 NW, about nine miles south of Ephrata and southeast of Quincy. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Deputy Bernard had served with the Grant County Sheriff's Office for four years. He had also previously served as a county corrections officer and with the Ephrata Police Department. He is survived by his wife and two sons, one of whom is also a Grant County sheriff's deputy.

2009 total in the line of duty officer deaths: 120

• Accidental: 1
• Aircraft accident: 4
• Assault: 2
• Automobile accident: 33
• Duty related illness: 2
• Gunfire: 47
• Gunfire (Accidental): 2
• Heart attack: 7
• Motorcycle accident: 4
• Struck by vehicle: 6
• Vehicle pursuit: 3
• Vehicular assault: 9