Family members of a slain Cowlitz County sheriff’s deputy made their first public statements Monday, ahead of Wednesday’s memorial service in Portland, which Sheriff Brad Thurman said he expects between 3,000 and 5,000 people to attend.
A law enforcement procession for Deputy Justin DeRosier will leave the Cowlitz County Fairgrounds at 10:20 a.m. and is expected to arrive at the Chiles Center in Portland at 11:30 a.m., where the memorial service will take place. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the service starts at 1 p.m. There will be no return procession or graveside service, the sheriff’s office said in a press release.
In remarks delivered Monday, DeRosier’s sister Jenna DeRosier said “had (her brother) known that that call was his last, he would have still gone. He was that kind of man.”
The DeRosier family’s statements were given as part of a “private thing,” Washington State Patrol Public Information Officer Will Finn said Tuesday, and the family specifically requested which reporter they wanted to cover their remarks, Finn said. The Daily News was not notified what time remarks would be given, so the family’s statement did not appear in Tuesday’s paper.
The family Monday gave the following prepared remarks, as recorded by Portland’s KGW-TV, outside the Cowlitz County Hall of Justice:
“I lost my brother, and he was my best friend,” Jenna DeRosier said. “My parents lost their son. They loved him so much, and we’re so incredibly proud of him. Katie lost her husband and the love of her life. Their daughter Lily lost her daddy. Words fail to describe that loss. I speak for his wife Katie and daughter Lily when I say there are no words to describe the depth of love he had for them and they for him.”
“You’ve probably heard this before, but Justin was larger than life. He had the biggest heart — the heart of a protector. He would drop everything just to be there for you. He was never further than just one call away. Justin always wanted to be a cop, and he was the best one I knew. Justin loved going to work every single day. Law enforcement was more than just his job, it was Justin’s calling. We truly believe had Justin known that that call was his last, he would have still gone. He was that kind of man.
“On behalf of Justin’s family and close friends, I would like to extend our profound thanks to all men and women in law enforcement. Extending our most sincere gratitude to the dispatchers, first responders, paramedics, life flight and trauma teams that worked so valiantly to save Justin’s life. We know how hard you tried, and we understand how difficult this has been for you. We would especially like to thank the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office and the Behind the Badge Foundation for their blanket of support as we move through our grief. We absolutely could not do this without them. We are in awe of the work they are doing on our behalf.”
“Lastly, we would like to express how deeply we are touched by the love and support demonstrated by our community, while respecting our need for privacy. We feel your hearts, prayers and goodness surrounding us and it gives us great comfort and courage during this incredibly difficult and painful time. My family and I thank you.”
