Stan Chapin, School Resource Officer at Eastlake High School and Inglewood Junior High, died peacefully in his home last night. He was 61.
Deputy Chapin had served with the King County Sheriff's Office for nearly 40 years, and had served in Sammamish since its incorporation.
"He was known and loved for his dedication to Sammamish youth, his sense of humor, his kindness and for being a great partner and friend," said Sergeant Jessica Sullivan of the Sammamish Police Department in a press release.
Prior to his assignment at Eastlake and Inglewood, Deputy Chapin was the D.A.R.E. officer for the greater eastside (Issaquah, Lake Washington and Northshore school districts). He had also served as a patrol deputy, detective, and member of the Seattle FBI’s Fugitive Apprehension Team. Last month, the City of Sammamish named him the Sammamish Police Department’s “Officer of the Year” for 2011.
Chapin, who served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 23 years, was also an avid runner. He ran track at Seattle University, won the 1974 Seattle marathon, and completed the Boston marathon in 1974, ’76 and ’77. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Dylan Markley, a 2010 graduate of Eastlake High School, has created a memorial Facebook page for Deputy Chapin.
"Officer Chapin was such a great man and was loved by so many people and he deserves to be recognized," Markley said. "Having the page gives everyone a chance to share how much of an impact Officer Chapin has had on their lives and what he meant to Eastlake and the community."
Chris Bede, associate principal at Eastlake High School, was also moved by CHapin's passing.
"Everyone loved Stan," Bede said. "He was an amazing school resource officer and an amazing man."
Editor's note: This article was updated to include additional information and quotes.
