Ellensburg, Washington – Marking the anniversary of a tragic event that shook the small town of Kittitas, emergency service agencies in the region have not forgotten the heroic actions of Deputy Ryan Thompson on March 19, 2019. Thompson, a 42-year-old Kittitas County Deputy, made the ultimate sacrifice while bravely confronting a menacing gunman, 29-year-old Juan Manuel Flores Del Toro from Mexico, who posed a threat to the community.
During the shootout, Deputy Thompson was fatally wounded, but his actions allowed fellow officers to swiftly neutralize the threat by shooting and killing Flores Del Toro. Another officer, Benito Chavez, was also injured in the line of duty but survived the ordeal. Authorities revealed that Del Toro had intentions to harm a woman in the neighborhood and had even threatened another lady and her child prior to the tragic incident.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Kittitas County community rallied around Thompson’s family, providing support through various means such as annual fundraisers like the Cops and Bobbers fishing event. Thompson’s legacy has been honored through posthumous awards, including a Medal of Honor from the state, the naming of a city park in Ellensburg after him, and the establishment of the Ryan Thompson Memorial Endowed Scholarship at Central Washington University.
As the fifth anniversary of Deputy Thompson’s death approached, the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office released a statement reflecting on his service and character. The statement highlighted Thompson’s dedication to protecting citizens and his fellow deputies, emphasizing his kind nature, patience, and passion for helping crime victims. Colleagues remembered him for his calming presence and ability to connect with people on a personal level, beyond just his law enforcement duties.
“We miss Ryan’s smile, his laugh, his friendship and his positivity he brought to work every day,” the statement expressed, showcasing the lasting impact of Deputy Thompson on his colleagues and the community at large. Thompson’s memory continues to be honored and cherished by those who knew him, both in his professional capacity and as a beloved friend and family man.