Clark County Deputy Sheriff’s Guild launches fundraiser for deputy injured in Washougal River Road crash

Drew Kennison was seriously injured Feb. 22, after the top of a tree fell on his vehicle

By Kelly Moyer
March 2, 2023 1:34 pm
Latest News, Life, News

Clark County Sheriff's Deputy Drew Kennison was injured in a crash on Washougal River Road in Skamania County after the top of a snow-laden tree fell onto his vehicle, causing it to veer off the roadway and into another tree, on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023. (Contributed photo courtesy of Clark County Sheriff's Office)

The Clark County Deputy Sheriff’s Guild has established an online fundraiser for a Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputy seriously injured in a vehicle crash on Washougal River Road.

Drew Kennison, a 14-year veteran of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, was injured Wednesday morning, Feb. 22, in a vehicle crash near Salmon Falls in Skamania County after a snow-laden tree fell on his vehicle.

“The portion of the tree that fell was significant in size,” CCSO stated in a news release. “It appears to have struck the vehicle where the windshield meets the hood. The vehicle then came to rest just off the roadway against another tree.”

Kennison was traveling back from a SWAT training when the crash occurred, the Sheriff’s Guild reported.

First-responders from the Camas-Washougal Fire Department, Vancouver Fire Department, East County Fire and Rescue and Skamania Fire assisted with extricating the deputy from his vehicle.

“Thankfully, other SWAT members were there to immediately begin lifesaving medical support until rescue units could arrive,” the Sheriff’s Guild stated on the group’s donation site for Kennison (unionly.io/o/ccdsg/donations-for-drew). “Due to the heavy winter weather conditions, rescue units were hampered in getting to Drew and the response and extrication took approximately 40 minutes.”

Kennison was listed in critical condition on Wednesday evening, but CCSO reported Thursday that the deputy had been upgraded to serious but stable condition.

The Sheriff’s Guild later said doctors had to amputate part of Kennison’s leg.

“Drew was transported to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, where staff did an amazing job stabilizing him. (He) was eventually transferred to Legacy Emanuel Hospital, where, due to the severity of his injuries, (he) required a partial amputation of his left leg and will require additional surgeries to repair a badly broken arm,” the Sheriff’s Guild stated on the fundraising website.

The Sheriff’s Guild described Kennison as a 14-year veteran of the CCSO who is considered “a shining light in the sheriff’s office and the community.”

“His smile, laugh and sense of humor have been witnessed by many,” the Sheriff’s Guild stated on the fundraiser site.

The Sheriff’s Guild said the money collected through the fundraiser will be used to help Kennison’s family – which includes his wife, Leah, and three children between the ages of 3 and 14 – “offset the costs associated with his recovery and other family and financial needs that will be present for months to come.”

To donate, visit unionly.i o/o/ccdsg/donations-for-drew.

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