(Kennewick, WA, June 24, 2021) The Washington Fraternal Order of Police (WAFOP) issued the following statement today in response to a targeted use of graffiti on the personal car of Kennewick Police Officer James Canada, who is black. The car was spray painted with a derogatory slang term calling for violence against law enforcement.

Canada also serves as president of the Kennewick Police Officers’ Benefit Association.

“We are disgusted and deeply disturbed by this cowardly action, targeting Officer Canada and defacing his private vehicle with this offensive graffiti,” said WAFOP president Marco Monteblanco. “Officer Canada is an outstanding member of the Kennewick Police Department. He has dedicated his professional life and his personal life to the Kennewick community to make it a better place for all who live and work there. This kind of behavior is uncalled for and will not be tolerated,” he added.

“Our organization recognizes the responsibility of law enforcement to evolve and re-establish strong, trusting, and respectful working relationships with the local community. But trust and respect are two-way streets, and cowardly actions like this damage more than personal property; they damage the hard work done by diverse stakeholders to make our community a better place.

“WAFOP extends its support to Officer Canada and to the entire Kennewick Police Department in light of this reprehensible action.”

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