Dec. 5, 2006
White Center, North Highline residents mourn death of community leader
24-hour vigil continues at White Center Storefront; community services announced
Hundreds of people have come to the King County Sheriff's Office White Center Storefront over the past few days to share their grief and show their respect for community leader and King County Deputy Steve Cox, shot and killed in the line of duty in the early morning hours of December 2. Citizens from North Highline and across the county have flocked to the storefront, bringing flowers, cards, toys for Cox's one-year old son, and food. The storefront, located at 9609 – 16th Ave. SW in Seattle, will remain open 24 hours until Cox's funeral on Friday. An honor guard of police officers from numerous jurisdictions will remain onsite throughout the vigil.
Community Events Announced: Two community events have been scheduled for Tuesday, December 5, 2006. A Community Candlelight Vigil at the White Center Storefront will begin at 5 p.m., followed by a "Service of Hope and Healing" in front of the storefront beginning at 7 p.m. The service, coordinated by the Church Council of Greater Seattle, will include scripture readings and prayers offered by many denominations, reflecting the cultural diversity of the White Center community Cox lived in, served and loved.
"The North Highline Community has lost a great advocate and leader who acted upon his ideals," said Barb Peters, Treasurer, North Highline Unincorporated Area Council. "I have lost someone who believed in fighting for the same things I did, but most of all, I have lost a very close friend."
In addition to his public service as a deputy, Cox was president of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council (UAC), a volunteer board elected by the residents to serve as liaisons between county government and the unincorporated areas. He was first elected to the council in 2004 and was elected president in 2006. The UAC has focused much of its work in the past two years meeting with representatives of the City of Seattle and the City of Burien studying annexation options. Cox was instrumental in those discussions, providing counsel and leadership as the community worked to identify and determine the best direction for its future.
"Steve was passionate about his job, and his involvement in the North Highline community," said Bong StoDomingo, King County Community Service Representative for North Highline. "His contributions have changed this community for the better, and he will be missed by so many."
Citizens and members of the North Highline Fire District erected two canopies in front of the storefront to contain the many flowers and gifts. Many businesses in the community have contributed materials and food to help care for the many visitors. Business and community leaders brought a banner, "You are our Hero," signed by the businesses in downtown White Center. A memorial book is available for those wishing to share their thoughts with the family. A hotline for those wishing to make donations is available at 206-205-7517.
The influx of well wishers include people from the community, different law enforcement jurisdictions from across the state and British Columbia, King County staff, and even people that Cox had arrested in the past.
"Deputy Cox was a truly extraordinary individual who was a model for the very best in community policing and in community service," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "The outpouring of respect, affection and emotion from the residents of North Highline and citizens from across the county are evidence of the impact he had on this community. His work to make this world a better place will be remembered by all that knew him and those who now know the story of his life and tragic death."
Deputy Cox's funeral will be held on Friday, December 8, 2006 at the Christian Faith Center in SeaTac at 11 a.m. The Christian Faith Center is located at 21024 24th Avenue South. A motorcade of police cars will travel to the site. The public is invited to the funeral. Burial services will be private.
Donations to Steve's family can be made to the STEVE COX MEMORIAL FUND at any US Bank.