The 14-year veteran of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office lost his leg after serious injury collision Wednesday

The Clark County Sheriff’s Guild has established a donation account for area residents to help the Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputy involved in a serious injury collision Wednesday.

To make a donation to Dep. Drew Kennison and his family. Go to Donations for Drew.

“This donation account has been established to help the Kennison family offset the costs associated with his recovery and other family and financial needs that will be present for months to come,” read a statement from the Sheriff’s Guild. “Drew’s wife Leah and kids Aiden 14, Declan 5, and Tiegan 3.5 are thankful for Drew’s CCS) and first responder family. Please keep all involved in your thoughts.”

Kennison, a 14-year veteran of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, was the deputy injured in the serious injury collision incident Wednesday (Feb. 22). Dep. Kennison remains in the hospital in serious but in stable condition with the support of family and friends by his side.

“Drew is a shining light in the sheriff’s office and the community,” read the statement by the Sheriff’s Guild on the donation account page. “His smile, laugh, and sense of humor have been witnessed by many.”

Kennison, who had to be extricated from his vehicle after the serious injury collision Wednesday, had surgery Wednesday and was then transported to a Portland-area hospital. Surgeons were forced to perform a partial amputation of his left leg.

On Wednesday at approximately 10:16 a.m., Kennison was driving back from training when a falling tree caused the single-vehicle collision on Washougal River Road near Salmon Falls Road in Skamania County.

The crash was serious enough that personnel from Camas Washougal Fire Department, Vancouver Fire Department, East County Fire and Rescue, and Skamania Fire used heavy extrication tools to remove the deputy from the patrol vehicle. 

Kennison was then transported to a local trauma center. 

On Wednesday afternoon, the CCSO issued an update on its original report, offering more details on Kennison’s condition and the collision.. 

“Our deputy is now out of surgery and being transferred to a hospital in Portland,’’ the report stated. “He had significant injuries, especially to his lower extremities. He is listed in critical but stable condition.’’

The update also included more information about the crash.

“Here is what we know as far as the crash is concerned,’’ the report stated. “It appears that the upper portion of a large tree broke off, possibly because of the heavy snowfall, and fell onto his patrol vehicle as he was traveling on Washougal River Road. 

“The portion of the tree that fell was significant in size. 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. Several other law enforcement officers were traveling with him when the incident occurred. They were able to quickly provide first aid. A local public works truck was in the area and helped remove the tree which was across the vehicle prior to the arrival of fire and emergency medical personnel.’’

“Thank you to the personnel from the multiple fire and police agencies who responded to assist,’’ read each statement from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Information provided by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.