A public memorial service to honor Kent Police Officer Diego Moreno is set for 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 31, at the accesso ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St.
Moreno, 35, of Auburn, a married father of two young children, died in the line of duty on July 22.
A procession of police vehicles will go through Kent starting at about 11:15 a.m. The public can view the procession on Fourth Avenue between Willis Street and West James Street.
“This is a sad time for Officer Moreno’s family, the Kent Police Department, the city of Kent family and the community,” said Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla in a media release. “We hope everyone will join us as we remember Diego and pay our respects to his family.”
Drivers will face significant impacts throughout the day. Crews will close West James Street between Lincoln Avenue and Fourth Avenue North from 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., except for access to the arena.
Those attending the service should plan to arrive by noon. There will be limited parking available at the Lincoln Park & Ride, the Sounder garage at Kent Station and City Hall. There will also be limited street parking available throughout downtown. City officials encourage people to carpool or walk to the event, if possible.
The service is expected to last for a couple of hours.
Moreno died when he was inadvertently hit by a police SUV driven by a fellow officer involved in a pursuit of a pickup fleeing a shots fired report on West Meeker Street.
For more information and updates about the service and traffic, go to the City of Kent Facebook page.
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This map shows street closures and where to expect delays on Tuesday, July 31, during the police procession and memorial service for Kent Police Officer Diego Moreno. COURTESY MAP, city of Kent
