SPOKANE, Wash. — A veteran Spokane County Sheriff’s sergeant who was one month away from retirement died Saturday after being struck by a motorcycle while helping clear debris from Interstate 90.
Kenneth Salas, 59, was killed when he stopped to help move a hay bale from I-90 near Four Lakes. The Washington State Patrol is investigating the crash.
Salas began his law enforcement career 34 years ago as a corrections officer before joining the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. He served as a patrol sergeant and worked in various capacities throughout his career, including as a school resource deputy and in the traffic unit.
His colleagues remember Salas as someone who consistently stepped up to help others, a trait that ultimately led to his death while assisting motorists.
“He was just always somebody who got in and was willing to do the work,” Sheriff John Nowels said. “And, he was a great personality. He was the nicest man that you could ever hope to meet. Willing to do anything for anybody.”
Salas frequently responded to and investigated serious traffic crashes during his career. In 2007, he responded to a deadly crash near Deer Park, where he explained the dangers of rural driving habits.
“People who live up in this area do speed. They get used to driving through stop signs because there isn’t cross traffic. And one day when there is some cross traffic, we have a collision,” Salas said at the time.
The sergeant’s death has deeply affected both the Sheriff’s Office and Washington State Patrol personnel who worked alongside him throughout his career.
Flowers and cards now rest at the law enforcement memorial, serving as a testament to Salas’ long and impactful career in public service.
A memorial fund has been established in Salas’ honor, with all donations going toward funeral expenses and supporting the Salas family. The Sheriff’s Office announced that a memorial service is being planned by the Behind the Badge Foundation, the Sheriff’s Office and the Salas family.
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