RAINIER, Ore – Slain Rainier Police Chief Ralph Painter was honored Thursday night, a year after he was killed.
Hundreds braved the cold and gathered at Rainier City Park to pay their respects with a spaghetti dinner and a candlelight vigil.
“He was a caring person and he was one of the best people I knew,” his friend Gene Nelson said.
One year ago Thursday, Chief Painter was killed in the line of duty while responding to a call at a local business.
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“He was a terrific person, always there for everybody,” Nelson said. “It didn’t make a difference if you had problems or not. He would be there for you in a positive way.”
And on the anniversary of his death, the community he served and protected came together to say, “Thank you.”
