Annual Flag Day celebration honors slain Trooper

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — An annual Flag Day ceremony was held Saturday afternoon to honor a Washington State Patrol trooper who was killed during a routine traffic stop.

Trooper Tony Radulescu was fatally shot near Gorst in February by a man, Josh Blake, who later took his own life, according to investigators.  Five people have been charged by prosecutors for helping Blake.

Radulescu’s family members and fianceé, Gina Miller, were in attendance at the Federal Way Aquatics Center to accept the honorary recognition and award on behalf of Radulescu’s services.

“Tony would be so proud he was honored, he was a veteran in the Army and served six years in patrol,” Miller said. “He loved being an American. He was so proud when he came to this country and became a U.S. Citizen.”

Family members wore shirts at the event with Radulescu’s badge number and the words “Patrolling Heaven.”

“He would be honored and proud you were here to show him the respect he truly deserves,” said Miller.

On Friday, Jessi Foster was sentenced to six months in prison for her role in helping Blake.  According to investigators, Blake asked Foster to help him escape the area. Miller was at the sentencing.

“We can’t dwell on what she should have got. We need to be happy she was convicted,” Miller said. “We want to put this behind us and we can’t with the chance of having appeals. We’re hoping these people realize that and not have this linger and have to go through it again.”

King County council member Pete von Reichbauer said the event was important to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of our communities, and Radulescu was a hero who will be missed by many.

KIRO