Kent Police detective Derrick Focht, 47, died on Friday of a heart attack.
“Derrick’s smile and lighthearted personality are already sorely missed by his friends and co-workers,” Chief Ken Thomas said in a statement on Monday about the 20-year department veteran.
Kent Police hired Focht in October 1996. He received his 20 years of service award last fall. Prior to coming to Kent, Focht worked for a year as a corrections officer for King County. He also interned as a provisional corrections officer for Grant County. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Mauna Kea from 1988 to 1990 on the reactionary force and firefighting teams.
During his career with Kent, Focht worked as a field training officer, acting patrol sergeant, detective and acting detective sergeant. Focht also negotiated for many critical incidents as a member of the Valley Hostage Negotiation Team since 2006. Focht was assigned to the detective unit in 2005 where he handled numerous complex investigations involving property crimes and crimes against people.
Focht, who was born Dec. 5, 1969, grew up in Quincy in Eastern Washington. He attended Western Washington University in Bellingham where he earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology/criminology and minor in psychology in 1994. Focht earned his master degree in organizational leadership in 2007.
“The mood at the Kent Police Department is predictably somber,” according to a police media release on Tuesday. “This is a time of profound sadness for our Kent PD family. We’ve lost a valued officer and great friend. Focht is survived by his wife and two children. The Kent Police Department has reached out to the Focht family to provide assistance and support during this time of need.”
A memorial service is at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 18 at River of Life Fellowship church, 10615 SE 216th St., in Kent, followed by a graveside ceremony at Tahoma National Cemetery, according to Yahn & Son Funeral Home.
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