Lakewood Officer Takes Own Life, Department Reports

(Note: In the above photo, Grant is pictured second from left)

LAKEWOOD, WA - A Lakewood police officer and former Seattle police officer took his own life this week, according to the department. Officer Arron Grant, 40, died on Tuesday. The department wrote on Facebook that Grant "lost his fight with mental illness and took his own life."

"He was a caring man who was known for his generosity and kind heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and we will pull together to make sure they get whatever support they need. While we are hurting at the loss of Arron and struggling to understand it, we are extremely grateful for the support we have received from our community and law enforcement family," the department wrote on Facebook.

Grant had served with Lakewood police since 2008.

In December, Grant, along with officer Brian Weeks, was given an award by West Pierce Fire and Rescue for his response to a medical aid call. On Oct. 12, Grant and Weeks responded to the 7-Eleven along Lakewood Drive to help a man who was experiencing a mental health crisis. The man had severed his own limb, and Grant and Weeks were able to correctly place a tourniquet on the man. The man barely survived, but would surely have died without Grant and Weeks' efforts, firefighters said.

A video from Lakewood City Council tells the harrowing story:

A number of local fire and law enforcement agencies expressed support for Grant's family and the Lakewood department.

The Lakewood police department said that it will not be making any comments about the death, choosing instead to focus on helping Grant's family.

If you or someone you know is in distress or is contemplating suicide, there are a number of options for help in Pierce County. The National Alliance On Mental Illness has a list of all the resources available. You can also reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Image via West Pierce Fire & Rescue