Edmonds police commend public works employee ‘so willing to help others’

Larry LaFave

Edmonds police issued a “Note of Thanks” Tuesday commending Edmonds Public Works Department employee Larry LaFave for his efforts on behalf of an elderly Edmonds woman last week.

On Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 29, at about 2:30 p.m., police responded with Snohomish County Fire District 1 aid and medic personnel to the 1000 block of 7th Avenue South for a medical emergency. Help had been summoned for the 86-year old Edmonds resident, who had collapsed inside before the door could be unlocked. Given that no one else was home at the time, and the woman’s weakened state prohibited her from making it to the door, fire department personnel quickly forced their way into the residence to render life-saving aid.

As the patient was stabilized in preparation for transport to the hospital, police said, her family members began to arrive at the home. Obviously, the woman’s health was a greater priority at that moment than the damaged entry door, so the loved ones prepared to accompany their mother to the emergency department. It was at this time that the police sergeant on scene placed a call to Edmonds Public Works employee Larry LaFave. As soon as LaFave learned of the situation, he assembled the necessary tools and hardware before responding directly to the woman’s home. Within a few short minutes, LaFave repaired the door jam and replaced the damaged hardware so the residence could be secured as if nothing had happened.  In fact, his work was completed before the family departed, so they were able to lock their mother’s home with confidence.

The family is relieved to report that their mother is recovering nicely following the medical scare Wednesday afternoon. They also extended their sincere appreciation to LaFave for coming to help while they tended to a more pressing issue.

“Granted, this type of private home repair isn’t included in Larry’s regular job description, but it was apparent that he wasn’t worried about doing a little extra work that afternoon,” police spokesman Sgt. Mike Blackburn wrote. “Police Sgt. Ken Ploeger later exclaimed that he was proud to work with a man so willing to help others, regardless of the extra effort required.  According to the sergeant, Larry makes Edmonds a better place to live and work.”

  1. I was thinking the same thing Ron said when I read this story. People like Larry make this a great city to live in. A BIG thank you to You, Larry.

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