Four veteran Lakewood, Washington, police officers were shot and killed in a targeted ambush Nov. 29, and the Puget Sound FOOLS are doing their part to assist the families of the fallen officers.

Sgt. Mark Renninger, 39, had 13 years of law enforcement experience, and is survived by a wife and three children. Ofcr. Ronald Owens, 37, served in law enforcement for more than 12 years, and is survived by a former wife and a daughter. Ofcr. Tina Griswold, 40, a 14-year veteran, left behind a husband and two children, and Ofcr. Greg Richards, 42, is survived by a wife and three children. He had eight years of law enforcement experience.

Many of the Puget Sound FOOLS members made individual contributions to a memorial fund set up through the Lakewood Police Independent Guild (LPIG), but as a result of generous donations received at their most recent meeting, the Puget Sound FOOLS chapter has donated more than $400 to the LPIG fund for the families.

“This donation comes at a time when we are now grieving the loss of yet another law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty,” said Puget Sound FOOLS treasurer Shane Smith.

Sadly, the Puget Sound area law enforcement community was hit again on Dec. 21 when Pierce County deputy sheriff Kent Mundell was shot after responding to a domestic violence call. He died Dec. 28. Mundell is survived by a wife and two children. Puget Sound FOOLS have already sent out the call for contributions for the family.

“Firefighters in general, but especially FOOLS in our area, have a tremendous amount of respect for police officers and tend to understand the strong ties of "brotherhood" associated with public service,” said Smith. “Many Puget Sound FOOLS have siblings, parents, spouses and children who are local police officers in Washington state. Several chapter members have not only given on behalf of our chapter, but they have taken it upon themselves to support our grieving law enforcement brothers and sisters by giving personally. A South King Firefighter, while in uniform, stood the night shift with his father, a Pierce County Deputy Sheriff, at Harbor View Medical Center prior to the death of Deputy Mundell. This is just one example of respect associated between police officers and firefighters.

“I know I speak for many when I say our hearts go out to the families of the fallen,” Smith continued. “Take the time to raise a glass for the many proud public servants who will continue to do a difficult and often misunderstood job on the streets.”