Officers to honor Newbill

Nearly 2,000 law enforcement officers will be at today’s memorial service for Moscow Police Officer Lee Newbill.

Newbill was the first Moscow officer to be killed in the line of duty. He was one of three killed and two injured over the weekend before gunman Jason Hamilton took his own life.

“This is what you do to show the department’s support in another’s loss,” said John Gately, one of 17 Spokane Police officers planning to participate in the service. “We all consider it an honor and a privilege.”

Agencies from Utah, Los Angeles, Boise, Portland, and South Dakota are sending representatives, said Pullman Mayor Glenn Johnson, who is coordinating Newbill’s service. Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police also are expected.

Newbill was killed after he responded to shots at the Latah County Sheriff’s Office. First Presbyterian Church caretaker Paul Bauer and the shooter’s wife, Crystal Hamilton, were also killed. University of Idaho student Peter Husmann, sheriff’s Deputy Brannon Jordan and Moscow police Officer Bill Shields were wounded as Hamilton fired more than 200 shots. Husmann was in stable condition Thursday, hospital officials said. Jordan has been released.

A police procession will start about 10 a.m. at the former Tidyman’s store at Troy Highway 8 and Blaine Street, and go to UI’s Kibbie Dome, Johnson said. The funeral begins there at 1 p.m.

About 75 motorcycle officers are expected to lead the motorcade, Johnson said. Between 300 to 400 police vehicles will also be part of the procession.

Participating officers, such as those in the honor guard and motorcycle officers, will be paid for their time, officials from various agencies reported. All 17 from the Spokane Police are being paid, said Spokane Police spokesman Cpl. Tom Lee.

“We were all willing to take our own time and go, but the city is allowing us to go on city time,” Gately said.