Sheriff recognizes 'heroism'

RITZVILLE – At a well-attended award ceremony on the afternoon of Wednesday, Jan. 10, Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner shared his admiration for law enforcement employees who went "above and beyond" in their efforts to keep the community safe.

Recipients include Cpl. Jeff Lane, Sgt. Tomas Solano and former Corrections deputy Rory Suarez-Tapia all three received both the Lifesaving and Sheriff's Medal of Valor awards.

Deputy Joe Phillips received the Sheriff's Medal of Valor and the Sheriff's Star awards.

Deputy Tanner Gilbert, Othello Police officer Tyson Cox and dispatchers Justin Beck and Meghan Allen all received the Sheriffs' Star.

"Thank you for your service, your sacrifice and for epitomizing the true spirit of heroism," Wagner said of the recipients.

The awards stem from multiple events.

On April 11, 2020, during a critical encounter with a machete-wielding subject, Lane, who was covering a shift for the Ritzville Police Department, faced a life-threatening situation.

Shawn Lee, 48, of Susanville, Calif., threatened the life of Washington State Patrol trooper Nathaniel Romaneschi who, along with Lane, had been called to the scene. Lane attempted multiple interventions to de-escalate the situation, but found himself with no alternative but to take lethal action to protect the life of the trooper.

Shortly after the officers arrived, Lee exited a parked car and began swinging a machete aggressively, records show. Lee allegedly ignored both the officers and his son, who attempted to intervene. When Lee began to advance on the officers, Lane zapped Lee with his Taser - without effect.

Lee continued to close the distance on the officers, swinging the machete, when Lane fired from his department-issue firearm at a range of approximately 10 feet, records show. The bullets struck Lee and caused him to drop the machete.

After an ambulance was called, both officers attempted life-saving first aid on Lee, who was transported to East Adams Rural Healthcare and later pronounced dead.

About a week later, the Columbia Basin Investigative Team released dash cam video of the April 11 incident. The investigative team ruled Lane's use of lethal force justified.

Suarez-Tapia

The second award recipient was former Suarez-Tapia. He was honored for acting decisively when an inmate's life was threatened.

On June 28, 2022, two inmates were sharing a jail cell at the Adams County facility when one inmate attacked the other.

"His swift response and selfless commitment to preserving life are commendable...," the award said. "He put himself in harm's way, fought through injuries sustained during the incident, and adhered to all protocols in ensuring the safety and well-being of the individuals involved."

Solano and Phillips

The third recipient of the Lifesaving and Medal of Valor awards is Solano.

On June 25, 2023, Adams County deputies and an Othello Police Officer confronted a wanted suspect who fired several shots at Phillips.

Phillips managed to evade harm, but when the assailant unleashed gunfire in Solano's direction, he returned fire and fatally struck the subject.

Phillips was awarded the Sheriff's Medal of Valor and Sheriff's Star award.

Other awards

Other law enforcement personnel receiving awards for their actions during the same incident included Othello officer Tyson Cox, deputy Tanner Gilbert and dispatchers Justin Beck and Meghan Allen.

Wagner concluded by extending his appreciation to those dedicated individuals.