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Fallen deputy's organs extended life for wounded soldiers, partner said

By Casey McNerthney

Deputy Daniel McCartney, who was killed Jan. 8, 2018, was the 34-year-old father of three boys. He also had years of service in the Navy, earning several honors. (Photo credits: Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, left; Joshua Bessex/TNT via AP, right)

By Casey McNerthney

Organs from Daniel McCartney, the Pierce County sheriff’s deputy killed in the line of duty on January 8, extended the life of wounded soldiers, his partner said at McCartney’s memorial Wednesday.

“I was fortunate enough to speak with an organ donor representative the night following Dan’s passing,” Deputy Luke Baker said to the more than 2,800 people gathered at Pacific Lutheran University’s Olson Auditorium. “The representative was explaining how they were able to utilize Dan’s well-kept, junk-food free organs to provide extension and quality of life to many recipients including wounded soldiers.

“What an awesome gift.”

McCartney’s own Navy service 

McCartney, who was killed pursuing a suspect, was proud of his service in the Navy, and earned the Afghanistan Campaign Medal among other honors.

McCartney graduated from Loyalton High School in Loyalton, Calif. before joining the Navy. He enlisted on Sept. 10, 2002, and was Electronics Technician 2nd class (E-5).

McCartney served on the USS Abraham Lincoln from Feb. 25, 2004 through Oct. 6, 2008. He was honorably discharged that year.

In the Navy McCartney, who was an enlisted surface warfare specialist, received several awards. He was given the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the NATO Medal and twice was given the Good Conduct Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

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Recruited as a police officer

McCartney spent six years with the Hoquiam Police Department, where he was recruited in 2008. Hoquiam is about 115 miles southwest of Seattle near the Washington coast.

He started on April 1, 2009, and previously worked as a detention officer at the Grays Harbor County Juvenile Facility and was a personal trainer at the Grays Harbor YMCA.

During his time in Hoquiam, McCartney also worked as a field training officer, bike patrol officer, member of the regional Crisis Response Team and was a computer network administrator.

“Daniel had a drive on the street as well in the department to bring 110 percent to work every single day,” friend and Hoquiam Police Chief Jeff Myers said in a statement. “He had a great sense of humor and was always out on the street looking and digging. Daniel received several commendations for his work as well as being selected as Officer of the Quarter by his peers.”

McCartney transferred to Pierce County in August 2014.

“As a small department, every one of our members is part of a close family; Daniel started his career here and he will always be one of our family,” Myers said. “My wife and I are friends of Daniel’s sister-in-law and we know even more deeply of their pain. We sincerely mourn his loss and wish there was more we could do for his family and his fellow deputies who were out at the scene last night.”

Shooting scene in Pierce County

McCartney was shot shortly after 11:30 p.m. January 7 as he was responding to a 911 call reporting an intruder at a residence on 200th St. E.  During the 911 call, dispatchers could hear screaming and a scuffle taking place, deputies said.

One suspect was found dead at the scene but the other escaped, prompting a manhunt that lasted into Monday morning. That second suspect, Frank William Pawul, was charged with first-degree murder. A third suspect, Brenda Kaye Troyer, also was charged with first-degree murder for McCartney’s death.

McCartney was rushed to Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Tacoma where he died.

On Monday January 8, the morning McCartney died, officers and medical staff took part in a procession for McCartney when his body was taken from St. Joseph to the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office.

CrossFit Yelm, where McCartney worked out, organized a fundraiser for his family, aiming to raise $10,000.

“Today we lost a Hero, Son, Father, Husband, Veteran and Police Officer,” friend Annie Malone wrote on the fundraising page. “Daniel McCartney was an amazing human! At CrossFit Yelm you couldn’t ask for a better athlete or coach. Our hearts are breaking with all of you during this time.”

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