Puyallup officer receives state's highest honor

Puyallup officer receives state's highest honor

Puyallup Police Officer Gary Shilley

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Story Published: May 2, 2008 at 7:44 PM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 7:19 PM PDT

By KOMO Staff

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OLYMPIA - On Friday two police officers were awarded the state's highest honor -- the state medal of honor.

Puyallup Police Officer Gary Shilley and Walla Walla County Deputy Michael Estes were the honored recipients.

Both faced extreme danger. Only Shilley survived.

Every one of the officers in attendance on Friday knew it could happen to them.

"Our duty is to remember officers and honor their families," said Sgt. Brian Johnston with Monroe Police Department.

A convicted felon pulled a gun on Shilley and shot him in the face.

"What I remember is a shadow and a flash and then it felt like a sledgehammer right in the face," he said.

With a bullet lodged in his neck, Shilley radioed for help.

Since then Shilley has recovered and returned to the force, overwhelmed by his fellow officers' support.

"It has changed me and I savor life because I should be dead but it wasn't my time," he said.

A medal of honor also went to Estes, who was killed responding to a 911 call. His parents accepted the medal on his behalf.

"He never cared about honors for himself, always wanted others to be taken care of," said mother Judy Estes.

The deputy was heading to a call when a truck broadsided him. On Friday his name was added to the law enforcement memorial wall.

"To just touch it and let people see it, it's a blessing," Judy said.

Klickitat County Officer Peter Garland's name was also added to the wall. Garland was killed by a drunk driver. His family will receive his medal of honor next year.

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