Slain sergeant remembered at dedication

Family members cut a blue ribbon to signify the official opening of Sgt. Brad Crawford Park Saturday. The new Felida park is named for a sheriff's officer who died in the line of duty. (The Columbian/Troy Wayrynen)

Troy Wayrynen/The Columbian Family members cut a blue ribbon to signify the official opening of Sgt. Brad Crawford Park on Saturday. The new Felida park is named for a sheriff’s officer who died in the line of duty.

Standing on land that only months ago was vacant space, Paul Crawford brought tears and chuckles to the crowd Saturday as he spoke of the namesake of the new park that now occupies the site: his father.

He said he hoped that his father’s love of the outdoors and fun-loving nature would be typified at the park. The spot should be a place where folks can slow down and enjoy life and family — something his father always took time to do.

“If you’re fun and intentional, you’re bound to make good memories. And my Dad made good memories,” Crawford said. “So when you’re here, be here. Turn off your cell phone.”

Named for a Clark County sheriff’s sergeant killed July 2004 when his patrol car was rammed by a fleeing suspect’s truck, the Sgt. Brad Crawford Community Park was dedicated Saturday. Elected officials, neighbors, family, friends and sheriff’s deputies and police joined to hear Crawford’s grown son and others speak of the slain sergeant’s life.

The celebration included a prayer and songs; the Clark County sheriff’s color guard presented the flag.

Some spoke of the important role that the park, at Northwest 131st Street and 36th Avenue in the Felida neighborhood, will play in transforming a stunning tragedy into a family-friendly resource.

“The whole courthouse, the jail, the service center and the community as a whole were very, very shocked by it,” said County Commissioner Betty Sue Morris. “But it’s fitting that when the tears are gone, it’s time to celebrate.”

The site had been planned as McCann Park for more than a decade and was scheduled to break ground last year. But after Crawford’s death, Milada Allen, the Felida Neighborhood Association president, and her daughter, Jamie Allen, submitted petitions to rename the community park.

Crawford lived within a half-mile of the site.

The 2.5-acre swath tucked among homes is designed to reflect Crawford’s love of sand, sea and surf. It includes benches, a playground and ornamental beach grasses. Allen has said she plans to raise more money for a second phase that would add a pavilion over the park’s plaza, a memorial plaque, brick ground pavers, an expanded playground and a rock-climbing wall.