Hundreds gathered Tuesday evening in Kittitas to remember fallen Deputy Ryan Thompson. See photos of the vigil here.
The community told KIRO 7 their town will never be the same.
"We've got 1,500 people in this town whose lives are changed forever," said resident Tony Halland.
Thompson was killed last week in a shootout with a suspect last week. The suspect was also killed.
Officer Benito Chavez was also shot during gun battle.
"He was a caring, loving family man," said friend Brian Redland. "This wasn't just a deputy, he was also a good friend of this community."
Neighbor Debbie Huble lived next to Thompson.
"He's one of the good ones," Humble said. "It is the most saddest thing int he world. He's the most wonderful person that I've ever met."
Thompson is survived by his wife and three children.
A memorial service will be held Thursday afternoon on the campus of Central Washington Unviersity in Ellensburg.
More news from KIRO 7
- Deputies: Cougar attacked, killed dog at beach in Mason County
- Boeing 737 Max 8 plane being relocated makes emergency landing in Orlando
- Auburn woman arrested in 2016 slaying of her husband, deputies say
- King County leaders demand answers over teens held in solitary confinement in jail
- Do you have an investigative story tip? Send us an email at investigate@kiro7.com
Cox Media Group
:quality(70)/d1hfln2sfez66z.cloudfront.net/04-25-2024/t_890b024e4146412fba10831bc7dfacf2_name_5as__Tesla_Autopilot_Ax_transfer_frame_0.jpeg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LYXELYCV5G7WBT7663ANY5MQFQ.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/IPIXRAQD4KXZGRHJ52HJAS7CAE.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/V4BXSALJL5CAFEJ5G6NIVRZCTA.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/R6RG2PCB2ZHJ3L3E6UDSUL2Z5U.jpeg)