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Fallen Tulalip police officer remembered at memorial

Fallen Tulalip Police Officer Charlie Cortez

EVERETT, Wash. — Fallen Tulalip Police Officer Charlie Cortez was remembered at a memorial service in Everett Tuesday afternoon.

Cortez, 29, was lost at sea on Nov. 17, 2020, when his patrol boat capsized after being struck by a wave during gale warning weather conditions in the waters near Hat and Jetty islands.

He was working for the department as a fish and wildlife/search and rescue division officer when he was killed.

Cortez worked for Tulalip Tribes for 12 years in departments such as wildlife enhancement and the Tulalip Marina, before his final position as a police officer.

According to the police department, Cortez grew up in Tulalip, continued to live there throughout his life, was a graduate of Marysville Pilchuck High School, and a member of the Tulalip Tribes.

He was a Motocross racer, with numerous trophies and championship standings when participating in various events.

His passion later turned to hunting, and he was requested many times for ceremonial hunting. He also ventured into commercial diving for geoducks, and loved the outdoors.

Most of all, he loved spending time with his many friends, family members and his two children — Dominic and Peyton.

The memorial for Cortez was held at the Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett.