Our Fallen Lakewoods Brothers and Sister Memorial A FITTING TRIBUTE FOR AMERICAN HEROES!!!!

Nearly 20,000 members of law enforcement gathered at the Tacoma Dome on Tuesday to honor their fallen brothers and sister, during a memorial ceremony that reinforced the dangers of daily patrol.

Officers from Washington state, the rest of the nation and Canada filled the venue following a 2,000-vehicle procession in the morning.

The service, which was broadcast on network television and streamed over the Internet by several Seattle-area TV affiliates, moved at a brisk pace, as speakers recounted memories of the fallen officers.

The memorial service featured tributes to Sgt. Mark Renninger, Tina Griswold, Ronald Owens and Greg Richards.

Renninger, 39, was remembered as a proficient SWAT officer who taught classes in basic SWAT, breeching and advanced tactics for the Washington Tactical Officers Association.

"Mark was a tremendous patrol officer but his calling was SWAT," said Mike Villa, an assistant chief with the Tukwila Police Department. "Honor, dedication, courage. Mark embodied these qualities."

Renniger worked for that department prior to joining the Lakewood Police Department.

Griswold, 40, was rememebred as a tomboy who enjoyed mixed martial arts and was a proud member of the National Rifle Association.

Owens, 37, enjoyed riding his motorcycle while off duty.

Perhaps the most touching moment came when Richards' three children spoke about their father as a "hero to many." Richards appreciated life's simpler pleasures (such as mayonaise) and taught his children never to bear grudges against others.

In addition to the eulogies, mourners gathered to watch a video tribute to the officers. Floral arrangements lined the venue's stage, along with one memento representing each officer. The mementos included a NASCAR race car, two motorcycles and a drum kit.

The officers were shot and killed by a man posing as a customer in a Seattle-area coffeeshop on Nov. 29, as they worked on laptops and prepared for their shift. Seattle officer Benjamin Kelly shot the officers' killer, Maurice Clemmons, who was armed with a handgun he had taken from one of his victims.