Officer and Police Guild President Ken Saucier died Tuesday in a one-car rollover crash near the Washington-Idaho border.

Ken Saucier had 18 years on the job with Seattle P.D.

We got to know him best over the past two years as head of the police union. He spoke out for fellow officers through many tough situations.

"For me it was inspirational to have someone like Ken," says Sgt. Deborah Nicholson, "willing to do that and fill in those shoes and to fight the hard battles."

And there were plenty of hard battles. Whether it was supporting officers through disciplinary matters, or fighting for the department's dive team or for more training, Officer Saucier leaves a legacy of championing for the rank and file.

"Ken is going to be remembered for a lot," said Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske. He got to know Saucier personally and spoke emotionally about the man who many times opposed him on departmental issues.

"His love of police officers probably overshadowed everything he did," Kerlikowske said.

Officer Saucier was driving home from a pistol shooting competition in Ohio. Shooting was a special love of Saucier's; he worked at the department's range training other officers and perfecting his own skills.

Idaho State Police say just before 4 a.m., Saucier's pick-up drifted off the side of the road, he over-corrected, the truck rolled over and he died at the scene.

"Everybody's feeling the loss," adds Sgt. Nicholson. "Everybody's kind of in shock."

Officers are all wearing mourning bands wrapped around their badges. Many in the department are struggling with the loss, doing what they can for Officer Saucier's family.

Like he would do, for them.

"Everybody here," says Sgt. Kevin Hastings, Vice President of the Guild, "we refer to the police group as a family, Ken lived that."

Chief Kerlikowske spoke of Officer Saucier with both smiles, and tears, even though his position as guild president might put him at odds with department management.

"But I don't think that actually ever got in the way of our ability to talk with each other and to at least understand that even though we might disagree we were doing it based upon principle."

Officer Ken Saucier was 40 years old. He leaves behind a wife, Sue, and three daughters and a large police family.

Two funds have been set up to help Officer Saucier's family. You can donate at any Wells Fargo Bank branch or at the Metropolitan Credit Union. Just ask for the "Ken Saucier Donation Accounts".

Also, a memorial service is scheduled for Ken Saucier on Tuesday evening in Seattle.

It will be at 7 p.m. at Calvary Christian Assembly of God Church on Roosevelt Way.