SPOKANE, Wash. - The Spokane community is gathering to remember Sergeant Kenneth Salas, who was tragically hit and killed on Interstate 90 by a motorcyclist while on duty. His memorial service is set for this afternoon at the Spokane Convention Center, beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Before the service, a procession will take place at 11:00 a.m., starting from Dwight Merkle Sports Complex.
Agencies present include the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, Spokane Police Department, and departments from Cheney, Moscow, Lewiston, and Mill Creek. Several fire districts and park rangers have also made the trip. The gathering includes members of the armed forces, as Sergeant Salas served two decades in the Air Force and Air National Guard.
Northbound traffic remains open while southbound is closed for the procession. First responders have parked their vehicles early for a safety briefing scheduled for 10:20 a.m. Before the procession begins, they will return to their vehicles.
Governor Ferguson is also scheduled to attend the memorial service.
Hi everyone it's nice to see you and thank you for being with us today this somber Wednesday as the community is coming together To remember Spokane County Sergeant Ken Salas who was hit and killed on I90 by a motorcyclist while he was on duty His memorial service is this afternoon at the Spokane Convention Center It starts at one but before that a procession will take place Nonstop Locals Noah Bolter joins us right now from the start of the procession Noah good morning Well Bradley good morning to you as well Law enforcement agencies from across the region have gathered here together to honor Sergeant Salas I want to show you just off right in this direction you can see a line seemingly endless of cars They're parked on the side of assembly from Rowan to Wellesley Northbound traffic is still open right now but southbound is closed The procession doesn't start until 11 but first responders park their cars early for a safety briefing at 1020 Once it's done they will head back to their cars shortly after start the procession Now Spokane County Sheriff's Office is here Spokane Police Department Cheney Moscow Lewiston Mill Creek several fire districts and park rangers made the trip You may also see members of our armed forces as Sergeant Salas spent two decades serving in the Air Force and Air National Guard Bradley that's what the scene is right here Dwight Merkle Sports Complex That's where this procession again scheduled to start at 11 We'll let you know the latest when we check back in But for now live in Spokane Noah Bolter Now Stop Local Yeah no I think you and I have the unfortunate experience here of doing this Now this is our third procession this summer I want to just know how do people feel on the heels of the obviously different situation in Coeur d'Alene But now at this one I know those officers were part of that previous procession Have you had a chance to talk to any of the officers Bradley I've spoken with several of the officers I've been on the phone with the sheriff's office Some people have taken this so hard that they can't even show up today And you just you send your hearts and love to them You understand how incredibly difficult this is for them during this time This is something it has torn the hearts of these people This is a brotherhood this is a family in law enforcement They didn't even blink twice Some people were not even on shift when they made the trip out here Some people were on shift All agencies did what they had to do to make it here today to honor Sergeant Salas It's been a summer of loss an unfortunate one and we will bring you coverage this afternoon of the Memorial Service Snow Bolter Thank you so much Governor Ferguson also is scheduled to be in attendance as well