Officers Gather in Lakewood to Honor Slain Ranger Margaret Anderson

Local police officers gathered in a huddle at the Mountainview Funeral and Memorial Park in Lakewood on Wednesday to honor Mount Rainier National Park Ranger , a mother of two who was gunned down last weekend trying to stop a vehicle in the park.

Anderson's body was transported from the Medical Examiner's Office to the funeral home by the National Park Forest Service, according to Lakewood Police Lt. Chris Lawler. The procession was no more than 25 officers, most of whom traveled by motorcycle.

The shooting suspect, Benjamin Colton Barnes, 24, served with the Fourth Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, a unit that deployed to Iraq in 2007 with 8-wheeled Stryker vehicles, according to an article in the Seattle Times. He eventually developed hypothermia and drowned after being chased inside the park by authorities this week.

The park, which has been closed since the Sunday morning shooting, is set to reopen Saturday, according to The Associated Press. A memorial service for Anderson is being planned.

McCarthy orders flags to half-staff

Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy has directed that all flags in Pierce County be lowered to half-staff until further notice in honor of the Mount Rainier National Park ranger who was killed in the line of duty last week.

Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Anderson family, the National Park staff and the entire community," Executive McCarthy said.