Officer Dan Rocha honored in congressional committee hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 28, 2023—Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) honored fallen Everett Police Officer Dan Rocha, 41, during a full House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee hearing.

“Officer Dan Rocha was dedicated to keeping Everett safe,” said Larsen, the lead Democrat on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. “On the day he passed, he was doing the job he loved – serving and protecting his community. I know the women and men of the Everett Police Department will continue to carry on Officer Rocha’s legacy by upholding the Department’s commitment to service, integrity, professionalism and honor.”

During today’s hearing, Committee members unanimously approved a bipartisan resolution to authorize the use of U.S. Capitol grounds for the 42nd annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service in May. The service, which is hosted by the Fraternal Order of Police, will honor federal, state and local law enforcement officers who lost their lives while performing their duties in 2022. Rocha is one of four police officers from Washington state who were killed in the line of duty in 2022.

Officer Rocha was shot and killed, March 25, following gunfire in a Starbucks parking lot across the street from the Everett Community College campus.

According to an eyewitness, gunshots were heard at around 2:15pm. The witness then saw a uniformed officer on the ground in the parking lot of the Starbucks as the gunman sped away, running over Richa’s body.

After a two-and-a-half-mile vehicle pursuit, the suspect was arrested, Richard James Rotter, 50, who was taken into custody at 35th and Rucker in Everett. Rotter was on probation and had outstanding warrants at the time of his arrest as well as a long criminal history dating back to 2004.

Thank you again to our community, law enforcement family, and fellow first responders for coming together to help us honor Officer Dan Rocha and his family.

All of the support, love, and comfort has been unmatched in this difficult time.

Officer Rocha #1470, we have the watch. pic.twitter.com/yaQc26lDbQ

— Everett Police (@EverettPolice) April 5, 2022

Officer Rocha is survived by his wife, Kelli; his two young sons, Thomas and Harrison; and a large extended family.

In November of last year, the City of Stanwood designated two streets in Officer Rocha’s memory. His wife, Kelli, worked with the City’s Adopt-A-Street Litter Control Program to honor him and the ultimate sacrifice he made protecting and serving the citizens of Everett.

The two streets in Stanwood dedicated to the memory of Officer Rocha are:

• At the corner of 270th St NW & 271st St NW, next to the Stanwood Café, and
• On 102nd Ave NW facing north, just north of Stanwood Elementary School.

In December, Tunnel to Towers Foundation paid off the mortgage of the Stanwood home of Officer Rocha as part of its 4th annual Season of Hope. During its Administrative Session on Monday, April 11, 2022, the Snohomish County Council unanimously passed (5-0) Resolution 22-015 honoring the life and service of Everett Police Officer Dan Rocha. The resolution, introduced by Councilman Sam Low (District 5) and seconded by then-Councilwoman Stephanie Wright (District 3).

This week, I had the opportunity to honor @EverettPolice Officer Dan Rocha before @TransportDems @TransportGOP approved a bipartisan resolution that authorizes the use of Capitol grounds for the annual @GLFOP National Peace Officers Memorial Service. pic.twitter.com/JdUpINhDCZ

— Rep. Rick Larsen (@RepRickLarsen) March 2, 2023