The Seattle rowing community will pay tribute to fallen Seattle Harbor Patrol officer Jack Lone with a memorial row in his honor Sunday evening March 20, from the Lake Washington Rowing Club to the accident location on the Lake Washington Ship Canal just west of the Fremont Bridge.
Rowers from many of the ten rowing clubs in the Seattle area will gather for the tribute to Officer Lone at 6pm, Sunday, at the Lake Washington Rowing Club, 910 N. Northlake Way in Seattles Fremont neighborhood, and row to the accident scene near Third Avenue Northwest and Northwest 36th Street, west of the Fremont Bridge. The public is encouraged to join in the tribute by gathering along the Burke-Gillman Trail along the ship canal just west of the Fremont Bridge.
The rowing clubs of Seattle will also pay their respects to Officer Lone by flying their flags at half-staff. There are over 3,000 rowers in Washington State most in the greater Seattle area.
On Wednesday, Officer Jackson "Jack" V. Lone, 39, of the Seattle Police Harbor Patrol fell into the Lake Washington Ship Canal and became the first fatality for the department's Harbor Patrol since its founding 100 years ago. The accident occurred when Lone and his partner were attempting to secure an old tugboat that had broken free of its mooring and was drifting in the ship canal.
"I am absolutely honored that we can do this as a tribute to Jackson," said Officer Deb Pelich, a 10-year veteran of the Seattle Police Department and member of the Lake Washington Rowing Club. "Were such a tight-knit group that when we lose somebody like Jack, it affects the whole community."
Lake Washington Rowing Club Vice President Matthew Crouthamel said, "The Seattle rowing community and the Seattle Harbor Patrol have had a close working relationship for many years. The rowing community relies heavily on the Harbor Patrol for our safety. This loss will be greatly felt by the entire community."
"Weve worked closely on boater safety, crime prevention and two of the most prestigious rowing regattas on the west coast The Windermere Cup Races and the Head of the Lake Regatta couldnt happen without their assistance," said Crouthamel. "Its devastating to lose a member of our extended family."