Rest in Peace, Officer Davis

A riderless horse led the Northeast Washing- ton Fair Parade on Saturday after tragedy hit law enforcement and the community last week. The horse served as a tribute for Colville Police Officer Aaron W. Davis, 39, who was killed in a motorcycle crash Monday night, August 24. According to the Washington State Patrol, Davis was traveling south on Kitt Narcisse Road about nine miles east of Colville shortly before 10 p.m., Aug. 24, when his motorcycle struck a deer while rounding a curve. The motorcycle went into a deep ditch, ejecting Davis before colliding with a nearby fence. Davis died at the scene. WSP reported he was wearing a helmet and that drugs or alcohol were not involved.

As news broke that Davis passed in the accident, the ripples across the law enforcement and Colville community showed what an impact Davis had made. “I am so grateful to read and hear so many stories from so many people whose lives our son has touched,” Davis’ mother Deborah posted on social media. “I’m usually quite private, but it’s hard not to want to announce to the world how wonderful this man was.” Deborah shared a tribute reflecting on her son’s life, from a difficult childhood to the family, friendships, and law enforcement career he later built. “Once he was ready to enter the world, the procedure itself almost killed him, so he had to have CPR to bring him around, I was so frightened for him, that seemed to take forever... But he was a fighter,” Deborah wrote. She described Davis as resilient from an early age and said his experiences helped shape the compassionate person he became. “Aaron did not have the easiest beginning, but he still smiled all of the time and brought joy to everyone he encountered,” she said.

Deborah said that during Aaron’s early high school years, around 15, there was an incident at a football game where he encountered an officer named Chad Fox. “Unknowing to all of us, even Aaron, this became the beginning flame for his entering law enforcement,” she said. Deborah wrote that his greatest priorities were being a husband and father to Catrina and their five children, and later serving his community as a police officer. A SupportNow fundraiser has been established for the Davis family to help with meals, donations and other needs. “The Davis Family, a dedicated family of seven and part of our beloved law enforcement community, needs our support,” the fundraiser said. “They are going through a challenging time, and with your help, we can make things a little easier for them. Our goal is to take some of their burdens away, whether through a simple meal or a thoughtful donation. By coming together, we can show the Davis Family that they’re not alone and their community stands with them.”

Catrina Davis on social media posted “My whole heart. My Everything. Forever and always my Love.” Several Colville businesses posted their tributes to Davis, while also taking in donations to support his family. His daughter Ellise Davis wrote a tribute to him the day after his accident. “He would say encouraging words and tell everyone to pray,” Ellise wrote. “He would ask for strength while giving his own. So that’s what I want to do. My dad, was the best kind of dad.” Ellise said that Davis cared so much about everyone and his job.

“He always put himself at risk for others. Even outside of his job. It’s who he was. It’s what he lived to do.” Ellise also reflected on his hobbies and a 3D printed figure from “The Witcher.” “We were nerds,” Ellise said. “We loved the Witcher and that’s something me and him bonded over. He would want people to nerd out over anything. So if you’re embarrassed about something nerdy. Don’t be.” Game streamer Chuck Fields was a close friend of Davis, despite being in Hope, Indiana. “I am so thankful, that i have so much content to go back and watch of us together,” Fields said.

“I looked up to you in so many ways man. The courage to put on your uniform every day, the way you valued time with family and your wife Catrina Davis. The love you had for your children, and how proud you was of them. I will forever cherish the times we spent together, all of your advice, and the wisdom that you instilled into me.” Fields said gaming isn’t just a hobby its a passion for people. “Coming home from duty to game with his ex-convict buddy,” Fields said on social media. “That was our cool little bond.” Fields held a charity stream to raise funds for Davis’ family as well. “I just know you’ll always be up there tuning into the streams, rooting me on,” Fields said.

On August 25, the Stevens County Sheriff ’s Office released this statement about Davis’ passing. “Davis was a longtime member of Colville PD and former Stevens County Corrections Deputy. With the nature of his job he also worked closely with local fire and EMS. Those in the public safety community are not just coworkers, but also family and close friends and this loss hits hard. We especially grieve for Aaron’s wife, children, and parents who many among us consider our family too. He is absolutely going to be missed by his community.”

In 2023, the Sheriff ’s Office posted a photo of Davis that was perhaps the most far-reaching photo of the late police officer. “In between all the other amazing work they’re doing, Colville Officer Aaron Davis and Deputy Ben Cosby crashed a birthday party for this awesome young man who just turned five and loves the police. He’ll make a fine Officer some day! Great work guys,” the post read.

The tribute to Davis on Saturday saw crowds lined up and down the streets in Colville, a powerful display in rememberance. But perhaps even more powerful was the outpouring of memories and statements showing that Davis’ life was one of creating bonds, connections, and friendships. The horse at the beginning of the parade made not have had a rider, but it was carrying the impact that Davis made on so many lives.