HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2020-4669

HR 4669

ByRepresentative Dufault

WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State Legislature to recognize excellence in all fields of endeavor; and

WHEREAS, Brian Winter was born in Pasadena, California, and grew up in Harrah, Washington, graduating in 1977 from White Swan High School; and

WHEREAS, Brian Winter earned a bachelor's degree in law and justice at Central Washington University in 1983; and

WHEREAS, Brian Winter joined the United States Marine Corps, and worked as an auxiliary police officer in Union Gap; and

WHEREAS, Brian Winter served his country with distinction and honor in the Marine Corps, including combat deployment in support of both Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom; and

WHEREAS, Brian Winter served his community for twenty-seven years in the Yakima County Sheriff's Office, including four years as the elected Yakima County Sheriff; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Brian Winter increased public safety during his time as sheriff, including strengthening Block Watch programs, building plans for active shooter situations, investing in a new crime tracking system, expanding training opportunities, and working to improve law enforcement relationships with the community; and

WHEREAS, Brian Winter exhibited the highest levels of excellence during his lengthy years of public service; and

WHEREAS, Yakima County Sheriff Brian Winter retired in 2018 due to medical conditions associated with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) after a successful career of nearly thirty years in law enforcement; and

WHEREAS, Former Sheriff Winter put his trust in God as he fought to maintain his health, but succumbed to the disease on January 25, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Brian Winter leaves behind a wife, Tammy, and their three adult children;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the state of Washington posthumously recognize the late Sheriff Brian Winter for his years of dedicated service, his personal and professional integrity, and for making Yakima County and the state of Washington a better place to live, work, and raise a family; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the family of the late Sheriff Brian Winter.