RE: Chehalis Police Mourn Loss of One of Their Own in
The Line of Duty
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Chehalis Police Officer Rick Silva who succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the line of duty. Unfortunately, Officer Silva died after complications in surgery, yesterday, June 18, just one day prior to his 13th year service anniversary with our police department.
Officer Silva was responding to a theft in progress this past February at a Chehalis retail store when the suspect, who had been concealing a knife, resisted arrest causing more damage to a previous hip injury he acquired while on duty. Because of this, the injury intensified triggering the need for surgery.
Our department along with other local law enforcement agencies, including Fire Department and Aid crews honored Officer Silva in the traditional In-Line-of Duty-Death manner, escorting him by a motorcade to the funeral home where he will await his final resting place.
Officer Silva was beloved not just by his family, fellow officers and co-workers, but also by the many, many people in our community whose lives he touched. Officer Silva’s passing leaves us all without his infections smile, his playful sense of humor, his passion for justice, and his generosity, as he was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Our lives have all been enriched just through the joy of knowing him.
Details regarding a traditional, public In-Line of-Duty Death funeral service to honor Officer Silva will be released next week as soon as they are available.
We are so grateful for the support already shown to us by nearby first responders and the Chehalis community at large. We will miss our brother in blue. 117
United Way has set aside A Fallen Hero’s Memorial Fund at the Security State Bank for those wishing to make contributions in honor of Officer Silva.
