SPOKANE, WA – The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office announced the death of Sergeant Kenneth Salas, 59, who was killed in the line of duty on Saturday.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 7:40 a.m., Salas was assisting with a large traffic hazard on eastbound Interstate 90 near the Four Lakes exit. He was struck by a motorcycle while helping a truck remove hay from the roadway.
Sergeant Salas began his 34-year law enforcement career as a Spokane County Corrections Officer before becoming a Patrol Deputy. Over the years, he served in multiple assignments, including Patrol, School Resource Deputy, Traffic Unit, and the Emergency Operations Team.
In 2004, he was promoted to Detective/Corporal, and in 2009, he became a Sergeant, serving as the Downtown Dayshift Patrol Sergeant Supervisor.
Salas is survived by his wife and extended family, who have requested privacy during this time of mourning.
In addition to his service with the Sheriff’s Office, Salas served in the United States Air Force for more than 20 years, retiring as a Technical Sergeant with the Washington State Air National Guard.
The Washington State Patrol is investigating the incident.