The U.S. House on Wednesday passed legislation that would name the Eatonville post office after slain Mount Rainier ranger Margaret Anderson.
The bill, H.R. 5788, would name the facility National Park Ranger Margaret Anderson Post Office. The measure awaits action in the Senate.
The legislation was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Auburn, to honor Anderson, who was shot and killed Jan. 1 while on duty at the park. She was shot by Benjamin Colton Barnes, a suspect in an earlier Seattle shooting.
Anderson set up a road block to stop Barnes after he had driven through a tire-chain checkpoint near the park’s main entrance. His body was found the next day in Paradise River.
“Margaret Anderson was a devoted public servant, law enforcement officer, wife, and mother,” Reichert said. “It seems only appropriate that there be a lasting memorial in the town where she served so bravely. This post office will publicly honor her heroism and sacrifice. It will also stand as a reminder of all those who put their lives on the line every day for their fellow citizens.”
In addition to her job as a park ranger, Anderson volunteered with the Eatonville Fire Department. She is survived by her husband, Eric, and two daughters, ages 4 and 2.
Jeffrey P. Mayor: 253-597-8640
jeff.mayor@thenewstribune.com
blog.thenewstribune.com/adventure
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