Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Libey organizes Memorial Day ceremony for fallen law officer
Gary Libey recalls family memories with cousins of the late Sheriff.
Gazette Reporter
Colfax - The Whitman County Historical Society presented a dedication of bravery and honor to former Whitman County Sheriff Levi Morton "Pete" Parnell, who was killed in the line of duty on April 17, 1949, in Pullman's infamous "Easter Day Massacre."
The ceremony honored other fallen Whitman County lawmen in current Sheriff Brett Myers' history and recognition speech.
"One day, I was walking and found his [Levi "Pete" Parnell's] headstone. His headstone said nothing about who he was and what he did to protect this community. So it inspired me to make a tribute to him and others law officers," said Whitman County Superior Court Judge, Gary Libey. "Trudy and I bought a headstone and had it placed, and it was great for memorial day."
John-Mark Mahnkey welcomed the crowd of state troopers, deputy sheriffs, and many others in his speech to introduce the heroic actions of Levi "Pete" Parnell, who was fatally shot and killed by George A. McIntyre while in the line of duty.
Surviving nieces of Sheriff Parnell, Polly Anderson, and Alice Allenbach received flags in a flag presentation ceremony. '
"It went great. The history was well-documented and thorough. The documentation was well done and well deserving to Whitman County Sheriff Pete Parnell," said Libey.
Music was performed by Ben Hunter on the bagpipes as Craig and Kristina Wilson performed three vocal sets on the day.
Whitman County Chaplain Ron McMurray concluded the ceremony in prayer.
"We had a good turnout, great speakers, great music, and great weather. There are two more law officers buried there, and maybe someone someday will add something to those stones to let others know they were officers killed in the line of duty," Libey added.
Olivia Harnack is a Journalist at the Whitman County Gazette. Olivia is enrolled at University of Idaho and is majoring in digital film studies. She serves in the United States Army National Guard and is proud to serve Whitman County.
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