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Washington ‘will be sorely missed’ |
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Monday, 13 July 2009 |
One of Saline County’s finest, who was honored at a reception, “will be sorely missed,” sheriff’s Lt. Mike Frost said.
Cpl. Aaron Washington, 42, is leaving the sheriff’s office after 14 years of service to join the Special Investigations Division of the state attorney generals office.
Washington said he primarily with deal with capital murder cases.
“It has been great,” Wash-ington said at Thursday’s reception at the sheriff’s office. “I love working here, but I am excited about my new position.”
He began his career with the Cotton Plant Police Department in 1988 and worked there until 1993. He then worked for the Brinkley Police Department from 1993-96 before coming to saline county.
Frost told a story about Washington was answering a call in the East End community.
“He was arresting a young woman who was on drugs and she kicked him in the groin,” Frost said. “He sprayed her with pepper spray, which seemed to have no affect on her. She continued to fight him. When Washington called in on his radio, his voice had gone up several octaves. He kept the suspect under control and brought her in.
“This is just one of the many examples of how Washington could always handle the situation no matter what.”
“I could always depend on Aaron,” Coroner Will Bearden told the crowd. “I love him like a brother.”
Washington began his career at the sheriff’s office as a patrol deputy. He was promoted to corporal on patrol and then moved to the Criminal Investigation Division, where he served a deputy before he was promoted to corporal. He has been active with the SWAT team.
Sheriff Bruce Pennington presented Washington with his badge and gun. The entire department presented him with a Fossil watch, because he collects watches, and a SWAT photo that Washington said has special meaning.
A picture of a SWAT team hangs in Lt. Scottie Courtney’s office. The picture was the first SWAT team photo the sheriff’s office obtained. It originally was in the office of former Lt. Tracy Gay’s and when he left the department, it was given to Courtney. Washington has always loved the picture so the SWAT team presented a new one to him.
“Aaron has been an asset to this department and we hate to see him go but I am excited about his new position,” Pennington said.
Washington and his wife, Derenda, have four children: Shawn Washington, 10; Kimberly Spillers, 14; Alyssa Washington, 15; and Michael Washington, 17. The family will remain in Saline County.
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