'People like you are what the world needs'
SHELTON, Wash. -- Hundreds poured into the Shelton Christian Church on Friday night to honor fallen Lakewood Police Officer Tina Griswold.
Griswold's best friend, Jeanine Burgess, organized the candlelight vigil in the officer's home town.
"I knew what I wanted to do and I knew where I wanted it to be," she said.
Burgess met Griswold 27 years ago.
"Great smile, always a smile. Always a smile for everybody," she said of her friend.
Before joining the police force in Lakewood, Griswold served as an officer in Shelton and at Lacey, where, according to Burgess, she was the first woman to make the SWAT team.
Burgess carefully chose the poems and speakers for Friday's event, and spent the entire afternoon creating an atmosphere for the town to come together to remember Griswold with smiles, not sadness.
"I hope the family feels safe and welcome here, and know that this is for them, as much for her friends that grew up with her. And those of us who knew her, just like her family," said Burgess.
Griswold graduated from Shelton High School in 1987. On Friday, the school's students put their thanks and thoughts down for Griswold.
The students' messages included "People like you are what the world needs," and "Shelton High School will always remember you and keep you in their hearts."
A seemingly-endless line of patrol cars slowly moved through the fog, bidding farewell to one of their own.
The whole town is mourning for Griswold. But Pastor Bruce Thacker says that means the town can also find hope as one.
"In the middle of the darkest times, there is hope," he said. "The mercies of God are new every day. Each day is a new day."
A memorial for all four fallen Lakewood officers is scheduled for Tuesday at the Tacoma Dome. For additional information, click here.
Griswold's best friend, Jeanine Burgess, organized the candlelight vigil in the officer's home town.
"I knew what I wanted to do and I knew where I wanted it to be," she said.
Burgess met Griswold 27 years ago.
"Great smile, always a smile. Always a smile for everybody," she said of her friend.
Before joining the police force in Lakewood, Griswold served as an officer in Shelton and at Lacey, where, according to Burgess, she was the first woman to make the SWAT team.
Burgess carefully chose the poems and speakers for Friday's event, and spent the entire afternoon creating an atmosphere for the town to come together to remember Griswold with smiles, not sadness.
"I hope the family feels safe and welcome here, and know that this is for them, as much for her friends that grew up with her. And those of us who knew her, just like her family," said Burgess.
Griswold graduated from Shelton High School in 1987. On Friday, the school's students put their thanks and thoughts down for Griswold.
The students' messages included "People like you are what the world needs," and "Shelton High School will always remember you and keep you in their hearts."
A seemingly-endless line of patrol cars slowly moved through the fog, bidding farewell to one of their own.
The whole town is mourning for Griswold. But Pastor Bruce Thacker says that means the town can also find hope as one.
"In the middle of the darkest times, there is hope," he said. "The mercies of God are new every day. Each day is a new day."
A memorial for all four fallen Lakewood officers is scheduled for Tuesday at the Tacoma Dome. For additional information, click here.
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