Community gathers to dedicate memorial

A new memorial honoring Sergeant Hicks and Detective Raburn, who were both killed in the line of duty in the 1980s, was dedicated on Jan. 18 at Lake Wilderness Park.

King County Sheriff’s Office Detective Michael Raburn and Sgt. Samuel Hicks, both of whom were killed in the line of duty in the 1980’s, were honored with the dedication of a new memorial at Lake Wilderness park on Friday, Jan. 18.

Hicks and Raburn served Precinct No. 3, which became known as the Hicks-Raburn Precinct. The memorial was commissioned by the city of Maple Valley and the King County Sheriff’s Office. Previously there was a memorial at the now closed Precinct No. 3.

In his remarks, Mayor Bill Allison noted that the park is a fitting place for the memorial, as the park is considered the jewel of Maple Valley.

“It’s a small effort to say thank you,” David Johnston, Maple Valley city manager, said.

The dedication was attended my members of the community, law enforcement, firefighters, local government and members of Raburn and Hicks’ families.

“It’s a worthy tribute to men who were dedicated to their communities,” Reagan Dunn, a King County council member, said.

The ceremony included remarks from the mayor, city manager, Dunn and newly elected King County Sheriff John Urquhart. The Seattle Police Pipes and Drum Band performed and a police honor guard was also present.

“We’re very pleased,” Gayle Jacoby, Raburn’s sister-in-law, said. “It’s awesome that they stepped up to the plate.”

The new memorial is located on the shores of Lake Wilderness at the foot of a maple tree along the walking path.