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Ceremony honors fallen Washington police officers

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Law enforcement officers from across the state gathered in the South Sound on Friday to honor and remember officers who went above and beyond to protect the community and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Special Agent Timothy Ensley, of Homeland Security Investigations, with the Department of Homeland Security, was working in Indonesia when he contracted a rare disease and died June 24, 2018.

Kent Police Officer Diego Moreno was hit and killed by a patrol car while laying down spike strips during a police chase July 22, 2018.

"It is not how these officers died, but how they lived. Special Agent Ensley and Officer Moreno lived lives of purpose, lived lives of bravery, lives of great respect and lives of compassion,” said Special Agent in Charge Brad Bench, of Homeland Security Investigations.

Nine officers were also given the Medal of Honor for their heroic actions.

“I’m very humbled by it, but sitting next to the family as survivors made me realize what the importance of the day is. It’s them and their lost one,” said Officer James Burgara, of the Vancouver Police Department.

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"I also realize that, in our situation, I was literally within 10 inches of being on that wall."

At the memorial wall, family and friends traced fallen officers' names, placed flowers and thanked the fallen for a debt that can never be repaid.

"We remember them, so that years from now, others will learn their stories and be inspired to follow their examples of selfless service,” said Bench.

So far in 2019, two sheriff's deputies have been killed in the line of duty. Their names will be added to the wall in 2020.