SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant who died in the line of duty Saturday morning had plans to retire next month.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, 59-year-old Sgt. Kenneth Salas has been working in law enforcement in Spokane County for the past 34 years. He was a Correctional Officer before joining the Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy.
Sgt. Salas had also spent over 20 years in the U.S. Air Force and retired as a Technical Sergeant with the Washington State Air National Guard.
“It’s a tough day for our community and law enforcement,” said Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels.
In 2004, he earned the rank of Detective/Corporal. In 2009, he was promoted to Sergeant, where he was assigned as the Downtown Dayshift Patrol Sergeant Supervisor.
“He was the nicest man that you could ever hope to meet,” Sheriff Nowels said.
On Saturday morning, Sgt. Salas was helping a trucker remove hay bales from eastbound I-90 near the Four Lakes exit when he was hit by a motorcycle. Salas was able to radio that he needed an ambulance and was taken to Sacred Heart, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Sheriff Nowels said Salas planned to retire at the end of September.
“He showed up day after day for 34 years,” Sheriff Nowels said.
Salas is survived by his wife and extended family.
If the community wants to honor Salas, Sheriff Nowels says they can do so at the law enforcement memorial located at the Public Safety Building on West Mallon Avenue.
Sheriff Nowels says they are in the process of making arrangements for Salas and more information will be released as it becomes available.
Washington State Patrol is currently investigating the crash.
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