Police Department

SPD releases names in Officer Involved Shooting

Ofc. John O'Brien, PIO

Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at 4:55 p.m.

The name of the Spokane Police Officer involved in the Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) from July 6, 2019 near 6^th Avenue and Maple Street is being released.  Officer Daniel Lesser fired his weapon in the OIS.

Officer Daniel Lesser was hired by the Spokane Police Department (SPD) in September of 1995. Prior to full time employment with SPD, Officer Lesser worked two years with the Spokane International Airport Police. He served as a Reserve Officer with SPD for three years and 1 year with the Pasco Police Department.

Officer Lesser was a patrol officer until 2001 then joined the SPD K9 unit and served there for 18 years. Officer Lesser was a dog handler for three dogs: Rav, Var and Murphy. Officer Lesser was a Co-Instructor for the 10 week Basic Patrol Dog Handler’s Course and a Master Instructor for the Washington State Police K9 Association.

Officer Lesser was a member of SWAT for 16 years, a Building Search Instructor for the Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) and a Firearms Instructor.

Officer Lesser received a Chiefs Citation Award to SWAT in 2004, a Letter of Commendation in 2004, two Nominations for Lifesaving Award, and a Chief’s Citation Award to the K9 unit in 2013. Officer Lesser has received a Purple Heart Award along with the Medal of Merit from SPD.

Officer Lesser was a member of the United States Army from 1987 to 1990 and reached the rank of E-4 Corporal. He served three years active duty and five years as Military Police.

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