Deputy Sheriff Carlton Stearns was shot and killed with his own service weapon while on patrol near Copalis. His service weapon was found 65 feet from his body. No suspects were ever identified.
Deputy Stearns served the Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office for five years. He is survived by his wife and two children.
In addition to maintaining the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial, Behind the Badge Foundation
delivers critical support to surviving family members after a line of duty death - from grief
resources
to financial support.