PORT ANGELES — The tribute on Monday to fallen U.S. Forest Service Officer Kristine Fairbanks included two songs chosen by Fairbanks’ 15-year-old daughter, Whitney.
They reflected her mother’s zest for life and the land: “When I Get Where I’m Going” by Brad Paisley and “Pocketful of Sunshine” by Natasha Bedingfield.
The music was part of a stirring ceremony that blended a short, to-the-point address by Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire with Whitney’s popular songs, two national anthems and a series of stately processions across the green grass of Civic Field.
At times during the nearly two-and-a-half-hour service, the crowd that had filled the stadium went silent.
A procession of 100 K-9 handlers marched in, German shepherds and Labrador retrievers at their sides.
A black, riderless horse was led onto the field to symbolize the fallen officer. Then a cadre of uniformed officers escorted Fairbanks’ husband Brian, along with Whitney and their extended family, slowly to the front of the field.
The throng stayed quiet, quiet.
Then came the cry of bagpipes, and the songs signifying Fairbanks’ fellowship with law enforcement officers in two nations. “The Star-Spangled Banner” was followed by “O Canada.”
