Officer Timothy Bernton was slain on Halloween night, October 31, 2009. Officer Brenton and student officer Britt Sweeney were parked on 29th Avenue, north of East Yesler Way in the Leschi neighborhood just after 10 p.m. when someone pulled up next to their patrol car and opened fire. Brenton was killed instantly and Sweeney suffered minor wounds. Officer Sweeney was able to get out of the car and fire at the vehicle, which backed up and sped away.

Officer Brenton was a modest man, the kind of guy who would shrug off praise by cracking a joke. He also was an excellent police officer — intelligent, tough, dedicated.

Memories of Brenton flooded over a crowded KeyArena on Friday as thousands of law-enforcement officers and firefighters from across the state, along with others from Canada, California, Oregon and Idaho, paid tribute to the slain Seattle police officer.

The two-hour memorial service was marked by "the most sacred ceremonies of our profession," Deputy Police Chief Clark Kimerer told the audience. An honor guard, the playing of taps and a 21-gun salute were all incorporated into the event.

Just before the end of the Officer Brenton's memorial service, police wounded murder suspect Christopher Monfort when he pulled a gun on detectives.

Chaplain John is grieved to experience the loss of a friend and the loss of a good police officer. He gives his condolences to all of those who have been touched by this trajedy.