Firefighters Recognize Everett Police Detective Mike Atwood In EvCC Arson Case

There is often a lot of good-natured competition and ribbing between firefighters and police officers and in Everett, Washington that is certainly the case.

It’s also true that when it comes to a matter of the death of one of their own, neither police officers nor firefighters will ever forget.

That was brought home in a brief ceremony Friday morning at Everett’s Fire Station 1 as members of the Everett Fire Department, Everett Firefighter’s Association and Everett Firefighters IAFF Local 46 recognized Everett Police Detective Mike Atwood for his work in bringing a successful investigation, arrest and conclusion to the Line Of Duty Death of Everett Firefighter Gary Parks in 1987.

Everett Fire Chief Dave DeMarco presented a custom firefighter’s helmet to Atwood purchased by the Everett Firefighter’s Association and emblazoned with his name and L46 (standing for IAFF Local 46) on the front.

DeMarco said the helmet was a symbol of thanks and respect from all of the current and retired Everett firefighters for the tireless effort Atwood put into the investigation.

Atwood recognized the firefighters and also the other investigators who worked on the case over the years. “I know you never forget and you know we never forget,” said Atwood. “I’m humbled by this.”