WFSE/AFSCME mourns tragic death of Neal Richards; governor orders flags to fly at half-staff in his memory

11/19/09: The entire Federation family mourns the death Nov. 19 of Port Angeles DOT member Neal Richards who was struck by a falling tree limb while clearing debris on U.S. Highway 101 near Indian Valley. Neal, 42, was secretary of Local 1556. He was a maintenance lead technician. He'd been with the Department of Transportation and Local 1556 for 11 years. Before that, he was a Forks police officer for nine years.

Gov. Chris Gregoire ordered flags on public property to be lowered to half-staff in memory of Richards starting Monday. (Download official directive below.)

"This tragic event is a reminder of the danger many of our state workers are exposed to while doing their jobs and serving the people of our state," Gregoire said.

"We have lost a beloved brother, and his wife and two young sons have lost a wonderful, loving father," said WFSE/AFSCME President Carol Dotlich.

Richards will be honored by his Federation family Saturday as some 500 Policy Committee delegates gather in SeaTac.

As we get more details, including services and any memorial funds, we will pass them along to you.

Peninsula Daily News story
KOMO TV story
DOT story
Governor's statement