Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Trooper Saunders, i'm sorry for what happened to you over 20 years ago, as your death was not neccessary, and you didn't deserve it. The person that killed you was nothing short of a coward, as he could've went home that day with either a warning or a ticket, but instead chose to prove how much of a worthless human being he truly is. Thankfully however, he was sentenced to life, meaning that he won't ever hurt anyone else again, and that some sense of justice has been brought upon your death. But nonetheless, karma is gonna take its time with him, as his time of judgement will come. However, as for your service, it does go to show that you made an impact on the state of washington, as a bystander who saw you get wounded tried their best to help, which means that you impacted alot of people during your time alive, meaning that there is some people who encountered you were grateful enough to see what type of person you were. But all in all though, you truly were a man of dedication and service, as you spent nearly 10 years with the WSP, which goes to show that you really did care about the ones around you, as you did what you were trained to do in serving and helping your community along with the state by making it a safer and better place. Also, your kids have grown up to learn about their father's legacy, and they will most likely carry your legacy by continuing to do their best in life. Overall, your service to the state of washington is honorably appreciated, and that you did your job the best way you knew how, and you made a successful impact on those around you. But as of now, may you rest in peace knowing your service as a trooper and individual is appreciated, and that the citizens of washington are honored to have had somebody as courageous and brave as you protecting and serving the state. Rest Well Mr. Saunders

Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line

May 7, 2025

Trooper Saunders I came up on your Memorial bench near HWY 2 while visiting Leavenworth Washington this past week. I stopped to take a moment to thank you for your dedicated service, and think about your family. I want them to know their loved one is never forgotten and they are not alone in understanding this heartwrenching loss as I too lost my son in the line of duty. Respect Honor Remember

G. Anne Birkholz
Mother of Officer Craig Birkholz EOW 3/20/2011 Fond du Lac PD

January 15, 2025

The anniversary of your death is coming up again. I was called out of my apartment by a g/f to help her jump her car. I was within seconds of seeing you shot down. I am sorry There was nothing I could do. I start having nightmares around a week or two of October 7, RIP James E. Saunders.

WILLIAM POOL
N/A Witness

September 26, 2021

Thank you for your service and know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

October 7, 2020

Thanks you, my thought and prayers go to your children and wife. You're sacrifice was something that never should have happened to you.... I hope that we as a community can honor your life as well as you lived it.

Janna Duncan
Sister of a Trooper

October 11, 2019

Trooper Saunders,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Washington. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 7, 2019

I heard the shots. Stopped at the traffic light I didn't see you till the pickup truck turned around. It is so sad. There was nothing I could do. Rest in Peace.

William Pool
A Pasco, WA. Citizen

September 20, 2019

Jim was a kind man. My mom was a chef at a local restaurant in Pasco who always cared for our Service Men and Women. I remember that night well. You were there only hours before this tragedy happened. You are always remembered and missed. It was almost 20 years ago and I remember that night like it was yesterday. That shouldn't have happened to you. Never Forgotten always Remembered. Rest in Peace Jim.

Civilian Anastasia Rief "Wheeler &q
Friend

August 12, 2019

Jim, I was your ride along for my Senior project 6 months before your death. You were a good man, I respected you and your passion for Law Enforcement. You inspired me to join the military, to get some experience before the academy. Your untimely and unnecessary death stays with me to this day. We stopped so many illegals, so many criminals and you were always lenient, respectful, and treated people well. 21 years later I retired from the military and joined the Law Enforcement crew.. I’ll always remember you Sir, you are the example!

T Wilson, TSS
Friend, ride along (High School)

July 30, 2019

I never knew or met you Trooper Saunders. I do know that I’m married to one of your very best friends Mike. He cries every time he thinks of you. I wish I could’ve met you. I spent 16 years in WA LE then retiring just this last September. Bless you Trooper Saunders and your family. Mike felt Jimmy was his best friend back then, maybe he could meet up with his wife and children someday

Sue Aagerup
KCSO

February 20, 2019

I remember the day this happened. I remember the heartache in the community. The anger that this could have happened, and in our own town. This is something that I'll never forget. I never knew you, Trooper, but you were out there helping to keep the world a little safer.

Thank you for your service. Rest well.

Mke

October 12, 2017

Thank you for saving our family. I am forever in your debt sir. I pray you Rest In Peace, & I pray over your family everyday.

Civilian Travis Morris
N / A

October 20, 2016

Rest in peace my brother, you are not forgotten. Your faithful service is remembered today and always. May God bless your family for losing you much to soon.

Sergeant Barton
Garden City PD

October 2, 2015

Great Roomate at the Academy. Great guy!! Always had that smile on his face.

Trooper Ardell Moore
WSP

June 12, 2015

When news of a brother or sister has been taken from us, a piece of us has also been taken. I was on shift in Ritzville when the news came over the radio. It immediately made me think of my family but more importantly the reason I chose the profession. I believe if Jim new what was about to happen, he would have still done what was right because someone has to do it. I attended the service and it still chokes me up when so many people come from all over the world to pay their respects and to let those left behind know they will be taken care of.
Rest in Peace my brother. And Billie, know that we have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Lt. Richard Young
Ritzville PD at time of call / Now Oregon Department of Corrections

June 4, 2015

I was driving down the hi way today I saw an Arizona dps officer on a stop and I suddenly remembered trooper Saunders . Thank you to James and all law enforcement personnel and their families for the courage and sacrifice.

Sgt. Richard hills
At time. Wa. St. Dept. of corrrctions

October 17, 2013

To Ms. Saunders and your two beautiful children, please know that Trooper Saunders died a HERO, and he died Loving his wife, and his daughter and his unborn child. Children, please know that your daddy is now in HEAVEN with God, and he's looking over his family every day. God Bless you the Saunders family.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police - Troop "D"

June 2, 2013

Thinking of you and your family today.
I miss seeing you respond to calls with your great smile.
RIP brother.
Rebekah Pomeroy
Formerly Pasco FD
Current Shoreline FD

Firefighter
Shoreline FD

October 7, 2012

RIP Jim,

We stopped by the memorial to reflect just now. I sure hope your adversary is suffering, as your loss has had an effect on many. We grit our teeth and gird ourselves with resolve and determination to be a little safer, love a little more at home, and stand tall with our duties when we remember your sacrifice and it's purpose. I often remember a good conversation with a Tukwila officer after your death. He recited Romans chapter 13 in parts, and it helped change my perspective as I sought to comfort others who knew you personally, and those who responded to the scene of your LODD. I hope to live until we never have these events, with the Lords blessing.

You're missed brother. I see your spirit all around me in law enforcement and the fire family. You're still part of us.


Barry & Rebekah

V-216
ICSO/ATF3 & SLFD

August 26, 2012

RIP Sir

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

July 9, 2012

You were in my thoughts today brother.

Trooper
Washington State Patrol

March 28, 2012

I often drive by the beautiful memorial for Jim. It is amazing to me the fresh flowers that continue to be there always. Takes my breath away every time.

Amanda

February 23, 2012

I still think of Jim and his family all the time, including whenever I see a WSP vehicle or officer. We went to college together at Whitworth and took some of the same classes in the history/political studies department. The way Jim died still boils my blood. It's just an outrage and I'll leave it at that before getting too worked up. Rest in peace, buddy.

Mike Sando
college friend

March 6, 2010

Trooper Saunders and family. It has been ten years since you made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety and way of life. I want to let you know how grateful I am for your service and performing your duty despite the dangers of police work. So much is owed to law enforcement.

Every day I wake up in freedom and enjoy my family thanks to your dedication and protection.

Thank you...Trooper James E. Saunders never forgotten.

Mark Bolz, 1st Lt USMC (Former)
Friend of Law Enforcement

October 8, 2009

Dear Trooper Saunders as we celebrate your 10th anniversary. Know that your life and legacy still live on today!

Anonymous

October 7, 2009