Everett, Washington Says Goodbye To Police Officer Dan Rocha

On March 25th Dan Rocha, a police officer in the city of Everett, Washington gave his life while protecting the citizens of the town and neighborhood where he wanted to be. Today family, citizens, co-workers and even some who just found out about his passing today paused to say thanks and goodbye.

A procession of several hundred law-enforcement vehicles followed behind as Officer Rocha and his family beginning at Evergreen Funeral Home and then up Broadway, past the Everett Mall and then north on Evergreen Way and Rucker into downtown Everett before turning east on Hewitt and stopping at Angel of the Winds Arena.

Along the route hundreds of people waved flags, saluted or just stood quietly as the procession passed. Law enforcement officers from as far away as New York City and Toronto, Canada paid their respects along with local residents of Everett.

Everett Police Chief Dan Templeman spoke of how Rocha treated both crime victims and suspects alike with compassion, empathy and respect.

Mayor Cassie Franklin talked of how the family and friends of Everett Police Officers also serve with them. She thanked them for their service and sacrifice and thanked the Everett Police family for serving with honor, integrity and professionalism.

Mike Henry, who was as he said Rocha’s Dad #2, wore a bright red pair of shoes. He explained that Dan loved shoes and since he and Dan had the same size when Dan tired of a pair he would give them to Henry. The pair of shoes Henry was wearing came in that day after Rocha was killed. He wears them in Dan’s honor.

Matt Nicholas was the last speaker. He is Dan Rocha’s brother-in-law. He told of knowing Dan for 20 years. He spoke of Dan being there for him when he was in the Marine Corps while in Afghanistan. Protecting his wife and his sister while he was serving. He said Dan becoming a cop was fulfilling a missing link in his life. The only thing Dan loved more than being a police officer was his wife and sons.

The ceremony included pipes and drums playing Amazing Grace, a 21 gun salute, taps and a final radio call.

We expect to get photos tomorrow from Everett Police from inside the ceremony and will share those as they are made available.

While the memorial that was in front of the Everett Police north precinct will be coming down tonight there is still time to contribute to the Dan Rocha Memorial Find. You can do that at this link.