Everett bids farewell to fallen officer

EVERETT, Wash. — The city of Everett paid an emotional farewell to a fallen police officer, 10 days after he was shot and killed in the line of duty.

Hundreds of officers and sheriff’s deputies descended on the city of Everett, some from as far away as New York and Texas, to pay their respects to the fallen officer.

Residents lined the motorcade route to view the procession as the hearse carrying Officer Dan Rocha’s flag-draped coffin made its way through the city’s streets.

It was an impressive service for this officer, and very meaningful even for those who will never know him.

It was a somber yet stately moment in this city’s history, bidding a final goodbye to Rocha. Just ten days ago, he gave his life while protecting those he swore he’d serve.

As the sun came out on this blustery spring day, those people turned out for him.

“It’s absolutely amazing,” said Charlotte Alegria. “Just seeing that horse alone with his number, 1470, that just brought tears alone.”

Alegria lives along the procession route, and knew Rocha because North Everett was his beat.

“I mean, many people knew Officer Rocha in the neighborhood,” said Alegria. “Yes, absolutely respectful, always just really great handling a situation, very kind, very soft-spoken.”

“I’m thinking about Dan and the whole police force, and all the work they do protecting the public,” said James Fay, who came from Snohomish with a flag honoring law enforcement. “I mean we need more police, more protection because they really count.”

“It always is (sad),” said Mike Letter, a retired Everett police officer. “And, it’s so gratifying to see the city and everyone come together for his family. Every time an officer walks out the door, he takes his family with him.”

The death of the married father of two touched so many he will never know, yet are fully aware of his sacrifice.

“I feel horrible for the family of the officer,” said Jacque Rasmussen, an Everett city employee. “I’m sure they didn’t plan on anything like this happening when he went out the door to go to work, and it’s a reality every day.”

“We know a lot of them through where we work,” said Lynne Bennett.

About Rocha, Bennett said, “Oh, can’t say anything,” fighting back tears. “It’s ridiculously horrible. And so that’s why we’re here.”

This showed just some of the concern and care this community has for Officer Rocha and all those he left behind.

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