MEDIA ADVISORY
WDVA Commends City of Liberty Lake for Partnering in Suicide Prevention Efforts – 2025
SPOKANE, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Suicide Prevention Team will award a Certificate of Appreciation to Mayor Cris Kaminskas, Chief of Police, Damon Simmons (USAF), Deputy Chief of Police Darin Morgan (USA), and City Administrator Mark McAvoy on behalf of the City of Liberty Lake, to commemorate the placement of 988 Lifeline Emblems on city vehicles. WDVA expresses gratitude to the City of Liberty Lake for its leadership in the fight against suicide and for setting a strong example for other municipalities.
City of Liberty Lake Certificate of Appreciation Event
2 p.m., Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Liberty Lake Police Station at 23127 E Mission Ave (the east side of the building, library is to the west)
WDVA Director David Puente Jr. praised the City of Liberty Lake for its exceptional commitment to suicide prevention.
“By displaying the 988 LifeLine -”There is Hope” Emblems on their vehicles, the City of Liberty Lake is increasing awareness and demonstrating strong support for our Veterans, service members, and their families,” said Puente Jr. “This impactful initiative plays a key role in raising crucial funds for community-based grants aimed at preventing suicide. Through collective effort, we can foster a safer, more compassionate environment and make a lasting difference in saving lives."
The City of Liberty Lake has taken the proactive step of purchasing 75 988 Lifeline Emblems to add to their fleet of vehicles. These emblems are a symbol of support and solidarity, raising awareness about suicide prevention and crisis support in the community.
By purchasing a 988 Lifeline Emblem at $10 each, Washington residents show their support and contribute to a special fund. You may also buy multiple emblems at once and save by paying a single $8 processing fee. The fund is used to provide community-based grants to organizations that offer suicide prevention through peer support for transitioning Veterans, military members, and their families.
City of Liberty Lake Maor Cris Kaminskas stated, “On behalf of the City of Liberty Lake, we are excited to honor our commitment to helping prevent deaths by suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families by bringing awareness and reducing stigma to a national crisis that also affects those in our own community.”
The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to building a comprehensive Suicide Prevention program that empowers communities and creates safer, more supportive environments. The goal is to ensure individuals have access to the help they need and that every life is valued and protected.
To learn more about how to join the fight against suicide and to purchase an emblem, visit the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs website at https://www.dva.wa.gov/suicidepreventionemblem.
 Veterans represented! Pictured above are several Liberty Lake Police Department members who have served in the military. (L-R): Corporal Arnold (Army), Sergeant Holthaus (Army), Officer Powers(Army), Sergeant Bowman(Navy), Sergeant Jones(Army), Sergeant Bogenreif(Air Force), Deputy Chief Morgan(Army), Chief Simmons(Airforce), John Bujosa was also Air Force, and our most recent hire Nichell Sauls was in the Army. Photo courtesy of Liberty Lake Police Department
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Media Contact:
Gary Lott (he, him)
Social Media & Outreach Communications Manager
Cell: (360) 865-8853
Email: gary.lott@dva.wa.gov | www.dva.wa.gov
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