
Police officer Donald Sahota’s memory was a huge part of the Appletree Marathon earlier this month
For Bret Olson, it was an opportunity to do something to honor his friend, his fellow officer, at least one more time.
For Holly Musser, it was one more way to connect with each other, be there for each other during the grieving process.
And for all the Vancouver Police Department officers who ran for Donald Sahota, and all those who supported the run, it was one more moment to celebrate Don.
Sahota was killed in January, the first in-the-line-of-duty death in the department’s history.
Earlier this month, many of his friends ran a half marathon in his memory, while others teamed up to run a relay for a full marathon, wearing full police gear.
This was a special Appletree Marathon for the law enforcement community.

For the relay, the officers handed off a baton to each other, a baton specifically made for Sahota. Notches on the left side of the baton showcased his personal life. There were notches for Don, for his faith, for his family. On the right side, his professional life, with notches for Don the police officer, his faith, and his law enforcement family.
“We carried him for the full marathon and brought him home to the finish,” Olson said.
The runners who competed in the half marathon joined the relay officers at the end of the marathon, to cross the finish line together. The relay members all wore the same bib number — 1531 — Sahota’s Professional Service Number, or badge number.
Musser and the half-marathon runners ran in bright green PAL shirts that showcased Sahota’s End of Watch date on their shoulders.
After the races, officers gathered for photos. Musser said she was struck by all the smiles.
“It was hard to smile for a while, until we were able to do things we knew would bring a smile to his face,” Musser said.
“I know he would have been proud of us,” Musser added. “That’s the guy he is, always wanting to see people succeed. For us, it was about connecting and just bonding and helping each other through whatever stage of grief that we are in. That, to me, is what mattered.”
The baton will be presented to Sahota’s family members. Musser said it is a keepsake that tells them that their law enforcement family has not forgotten.
Olson has added tattoos to his right arm, the thin blue line with the names of Jeremy Brown of the Clark County Sheriff’s Department, and Sahota. Brown died in the line of duty in July of 2021. Sahota died six months later. Olson spoke to Brown the morning that he died. And he visited Sahota often.

Officers understand the risk in their jobs, but the deaths of Brown and Sahota hit hard, Olson said.
“It was never close to home or personal. Brown made it personal,” Olson said. “Six months later, Don made it even more personal. That’s someone I see here all the time.”
Police and sheriff’s office employees are still coming to terms with the tragic events. They are finding ways to remember, and carry on the mission.
“It was a tremendous tragedy. I was honored to be able to escort him to the ME’s office,” Olson said, referring to the police escort for Sahota to the medical examiner. “I wanted to do one final escort for him through this marathon relay, with the baton symbolizing him.”
Also read:
- Trump keeps control of California National Guard in LA for now after appeals court orderA federal appeals court has temporarily allowed President Trump to retain control of California’s National Guard amid ongoing legal and political battles over recent ICE-related protests in Los Angeles.
- Opinion: President Trump signs memorandum to protect the Snake River damsTodd Myers argues that President Trump’s new memorandum rescinding Biden-era policies is a positive step toward protecting the Snake River dams, energy reliability, and salmon recovery.
- Clark County looking to fill live-in, volunteer park host position at Moulton Falls Regional ParkClark County Public Works is accepting applications for a live-in volunteer park host at Moulton Falls Regional Park to help maintain a safe, welcoming environment for all visitors.
- Community members are invited to apply for Pro/Con Committees for upcoming districting ballot measureVancouver is seeking residents to apply for Pro or Con Committees related to a November ballot measure that would allow district-based elections for some City Council seats.
- Plan ahead for overnight ramp closures on eastbound SR 14 in Vancouver, June 15–17WSDOT will close sections of eastbound SR 14 and nearby I-5 ramps overnight June 15–17 for repaving and maintenance, with travelers advised to expect delays and take alternate routes.
- Clark County Fire District 3 recognizes AMR Crews for actions during June 10 fire incidentClark County Fire District 3 has recognized several AMR crews for their rapid and heroic actions during a June 10 fire, highlighting the teamwork that led to multiple rescues and lifesaving outcomes.
- Washougal School District is accepting applications for Board of Directors vacancyThe Washougal School District is now accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Board of Directors for Director District 5, with a deadline of July 24.