On 12-12-2023, Pierce County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop a suspected drunk driver. A vehicle pursuit followed as the driver refused to stop and drove in a reckless manner. Unbeknownst to the deputies, the driver was a member of a white supremacist gang. He was involved in a recent double homicide in another jurisdiction, and he was armed with a handgun with an extended magazine, ready to engage law enforcement. A deputy involved shooting resulted, and both deputies were struck by the suspect’s gun fire. Thankfully, one deputy was saved by his armored vest, and the second deputy suffered a grazing wound and sustained no serious injury. The suspect later died from his injuries. Every time our deputies suit up to go on patrol, they must be ready for anything. When necessary, they rely on their skills and their partners to win the fight. “Courage is being scared to death… and saddling up anyway.” ~ John Wayne