Washington Gov. issues statements for dead whale, union boss, but not for dead police officer

Washington State Democrat Governor Jay Inslee this week has issued statements regarding the death of a whale and a union boss, but not for a fallen police officer.

Sgt. Joseph Deccio, 38, a 15-year-veteran of the Yakima Police Department, died in the line of duty Tuesday after suffering a "significant medical episode" while working his shift earlier that day.

Inslee issued a statement on the death of Richard Trumka, head of AFL-CIO almost immediately as news broke across the wires Thursday. Inslee said of Trumka, "Our nation lost an incredible leader today. Richard Trumka was a champion for all working people. While he may be gone, his legacy will live on for generations."

Later that same day, Inslee issued a statement regarding the suspected death of orca K-21. Inslee said of the mammal, "I am saddened to hear the news that one of the 75 remaining endangered Southern Resident orcas, K-21 - a 35-year-old male - was seen this week emaciated and struggling off the coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia."

Inslee even had time to draft a statement of support for President Joe Biden's push for electric vehicle use. "The Biden administration has taken much-needed actions to meaningfully reduce pollution from cars and trucks."

Yet as of publishing, there has still been no statement from the Governor’s office on Sgt. Deccio, nor any posts on his Twitter account.

Inslee has supported the BLM movement and did little to quell riots in the state in 2020. He supported massive protests during the height of the coronavirus pandemic and also feigned ignorance regarding the deadly 'autonomous zone' in Seattle. Inslee also recently sign sweeping police reform legislation that has had a devastating effect across the state.

According to Yakima police, Deccio on Tuesday "suffered a significant medical episode while at work." He was rushed to Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital for emergency medical treatment and was pronounced dead after medical efforts were unsuccessful.

The Yakima Herald, said Deccio was the first line-of-duty death for the department. According to police, Deccio was a "valued member of this community of Yakima and the Yakima Police Department," who served with honor in many positions during his time with the department including patrol, field training officer, SWAT-Sniper Team leader, field training coordinator, school resource officer sergeant and detective sergeant.

Police Chief Matt Murray, at a Thursday news conference at a temporary memorial to Deccio outside police headquarters described him as a “wonderful human being, exceptional police officer and a good friend.” He added that the officer would be remembered as a devoted husband and father who put his family first in his career decisions.

Deccio leaves behind his wife, Amber, and two sons, ages 13 and 10. Captain Shawn Boyle said Deccio would take shifts so he could be available for his two sons' activities and even turned down a chance to apply for promotion to lieutenant, in order to have more time with his family.

Lt. Chad Janis told NBC, "He was a part of numerous life saving incidents within the Yakima Valley and region while on the SWAT team" said  "He was awarded the certificate of merit multiple times, the golden apple award for his efforts both individually and while on the SWAT team." The Joe Deccio Memorial Fund has been established, and YPD has posted donation links on its social media accounts.