Kirkland Police Sgt. Nathan Rich Dies

KIRKLAND, WA - Kirkland police Sgt. Nathan Rich died at home of natural causes on Friday, according to the city of Kirkland. Rich joined Kirkland police in 1998 and was awarded the Medal of Valor in 2015. Rich was a member U.S. Marines and graduated from Washington State University.

Here's more on Rich from the city of Kirkland:

It is with a heavy heart the Kirkland Police Department announces the passing of Sergeant Nathan Rich a 20-year veteran of the force. Sgt. Rich passed away of natural causes in his home on Friday, Oct. 13. He is survived by his two adult children, six siblings, his mother and father.

Sgt. Rich served in the Department since 1998 when he was hired as a patrol officer. He was part of the SWAT team from 2001 to 2012 and also served as Firearms Instructor, as a member of the Honor Guard and as the Training Officer. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2010 and became the Traffic Sergeant in 2014. In 2015, he was awarded the Medal of Valor for courage in the line of duty. He was also a former President of the Kirkland Police Guild. Sgt. Rich is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp and a graduate of Washington State University.

“Sergeant Rich was a shining example to the entire Department,” said Chief Cherrie Harris. “He was larger than life, had the heart of a lion and although he was reluctant to admit it, it truly was his heart and steadfast conviction to doing what he believed to be right, which were his strongest assets. His candor, pride in service, stubbornness and gift of persuasion earned my deep respect and the respect of the entire department.”

He was loved not just by the KPD, his spirit touched a huge part of the community and other first responders from Redmond, Bothell, Bellevue and throughout the Puget Sound region.

Image courtesy City of Kirkland