Kent Police Officer Diego Moreno larger than life, even in death

Move over, Felix Hernandez. The longtime Seattle Mariners pitching ace is no longer our state’s most heroic native of Venezuela.

Sadly, it took the death of Kent Police Officer Diego Moreno, killed on July 22 in the line of duty, for most Washingtonians to realize it.

Moreno, 35, died while laying down spike strips to stop a pickup truck during a high-speed police chase. Compounding the tragedy is that he was struck by the pursuing patrol vehicle, driven by a fellow Kent officer.

At a memorial service Tuesday, Moreno was recalled as a goofy, big-hearted husband and father of two who had plenty left in the tank for the community he served. He received a city Lifesaving Medal last year for his response to an opioid overdose, and in 2016 was honored for rescuing an elderly woman from a fire. “He did more in eight years than most of us do in 20,” Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla said.

Officers from around Pierce County made a strong showing at Tuesday’s service and nearly 6-mile-long procession. Others have gamely filled shifts for Kent officers so they could say goodbye to their larger-than-life friend.

Cops know how vulnerable they are, and they don’t take the loss of any comrade lightly. The day before Moreno’s service, Tacoma Police marked the 126th anniversary of the End of Watch for Officer Minor Cudihee, stabbed to death on McKinley Hill on July 30,1892.

The rest of us should find an appropriate time to reflect on Moreno and others who’ve given all for the Thin Blue Line. Perhaps during the national anthem at Thursday’s Mariners game, when the starting pitcher is scheduled to be Hernandez – Washington’s second-most beloved Venezuelan.