FORKS — The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office will sponsor 11-year-old Ethan Gossard as Clallam County’s honorary sheriff at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission’s Chief for a Day celebration Thursday, Aug. 21.
In partnership with local law enforcement agencies and the communities of Washington state, Chief for a Day is about celebrating the lives of children who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening or chronic illness.
This year, 34 law enforcement agencies will sponsor a child to participate in the event.
Each law enforcement agency will provide their honorary “chief” or “sheriff” with a hand-tailored uniform and a gift basket that will include items for the child and their family such as toys, movie passes, gas cards, various gift cards and more.
Ethan, a sixth-grader at Forks Middle School, was diagnosed with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy as an infant. In 2013, he underwent a femoral derotation osteotomy to improve his walking ability.
On Aug. 21, Ethan and his family will be transported to the training commission in Burien in police cars by police escort.
Ethan will be sworn in as “sheriff” by Sheriff Bill Benedict, have lunch with all attendees and academy recruits, then participate in outside presentations provided by law enforcement agencies and criminal justice entities, including K-9 units, bicycle patrols, SWAT, rifle units and more.
This event is donation-funded. It is open to the public.
For those individuals, businesses or organizations wishing to donate funds in support of Ethan’s special day, donations can be made to the “West End CFAD Committee” at any of Clallam County’s First Federal Savings and Loan branches.
For more information about the event, visit www.chiefforaday.com.
