Washington Lowers Flags Statewide Honoring Fallen Spokane Sergeant

Sergeant Kenneth Salas of the Spokane County Sheriff's Office was fatally struck by a motorcyclist on August 9 while helping remove a hay bale from Interstate 90 near the Four Lakes exit. Salas, a 34-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office and a U.S. Air Force and Washington State Air National Guard veteran, was honored with a memorial service on August 20 at the Spokane Convention Center, preceded by a public procession. In tribute to his service and sacrifice, flags were ordered to be lowered to half-staff at all Washington state and city facilities, including in Spokane and Tacoma, with officials encouraging private citizens and organizations to join in the recognition. The Spokane community was invited to line the procession route and contribute to a memorial fund established for Salas’ family, along with opportunities to deliver flowers at the convention center before the service. Governor Bob Ferguson and Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown publicly expressed their condolences, highlighting Salas’ dedication and the impact of his loss. Motorists were also advised to expect road closures and traffic delays along the procession route during the memorial events.