Longtime Pierce County sheriff’s deputy commits suicide
Pierce County WA May 14 2017 While working out of town on a police case, a longtime Pierce County sheriff’s deputy took his life Friday.
The sheriff’s department reports that the shooting occurred in while in Yakima.
Deputy Kory Shaffer, 47, ended his life with a self-inflicted gunshot, sheriff’s spokesman Ed Troyer said in a statement.
“Department members are with Deputy Shaffer’s family at this incredibly difficult time, and we also have department members in Yakima to assist there as well,” Troyer said.
Shaffer had been with the department since 2000. He was named Officer of the Year in 2007 for his work investigating meth labs.
He was married and had two daughters.
“Everybody’s just in total shock,” Troyer said. “He was one of the most stable guys we know.”
“This is hard loss for our department and for the community,” Sheriff Paul Pastor said. “It is a sad reminder that besides facing physical dangers, our people and other first responders also face a wide and difficult array of emotional and spiritual dangers.
“I thank the community and the other departments in the region for their kindness and support.”
