Former Lakewood Chief Bret Farrar Dies After Battling Cancer

LAKEWOOD, WA - Former Lakewood Police Chief Bret Farrar, who was chief during the 2009 shootings of four Lakewood officers, died at his home in Arizona on Tuesday night, according to Lakewood police. Farrar retired from Lakewood police in April 2015 at age 57.

Farrar became chief in 2008, and shortly after had to deal with one of the worst mass killings of police in U.S. history. Ex-con Maurice Clemmons, who was later killed by police in Seattle, opened fire on four officers inside a Parkland coffee shop in November 2009. Officers Tina Griswold, Ronald Owens, Greg Richards, and Sgt. Mark Renninger died in the attack.

"Under Bret’s direction the police department continued to build its relationship in the community, a move that helped reduce crime across the board and made Lakewood a safer place to live. His leadership was especially critical in 2009 when he was faced with leading the department through one of its worst tragedies – the shooting death of a sergeant and three of its officers," the department said of Farrar in a statement.

The department said Farrar died after a battle with cancer. Farrar's family notified police of the death on Wednesday morning.

“As much as Bret meant to the Police Department and the City of Lakewood it pales in comparison to what he meant to his family,” said Lakewood Police Chief Mike Zaro. “They were extremely close and I can’t imagine the loss they are feeling.”

Image via Lakewood police