News brief: Morton police officer on life support

By Sharyn  L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

Morton Police Officer Perry Royle suffered a life-threatening medical event while on duty Tuesday night and is on life support.

The police department issued a news release today, saying the 54-year-old officer was able to summon help for himself, but lost consciousness shortly after reaching the hospital.

He was first taken to Morton General Hospital and then to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, according to Police Clerk Michelle Matchett.

Chief Dan Mortensen spent yesterday with Royle and his family at the hospital, awaiting news on his longtime friend and comrade, according to Matchett.

Royle has been with the department since 2002, and is Mortensen’s only officer.

The chief is headed back to Harborview this afternoon.

“He’s a very good family man, loves to hunt and fish,” Mortensen said. “He’s a good member of the community and always willing to step up when needed.”

27 Responses to “News brief: Morton police officer on life support”

  1. kristy anderson says:

    my thoughts and prayers are with not only the family but the community as well. as an officers wife you worry everyday about their safety and this just makes you heartsick. people need to remembed that at the end of the day they go hjome to families like everyone else does . please take care of his family during this time. take his wife dinner or stop by and offer words of comfort you would be surprised at how much she needs it right now.

  2. Mesays says:

    So sorry for family. Was praying for a better outcome. Perry was a good person.

  3. Jeremy K says:

    Thanks for being a good friend and partner…will always remember you and the good times we had…love you brother…RIP.

  4. Free Air says:

    Rest in Peace Officer Royle.
    You shall be dearly missed.

  5. Kathy says:

    Sending love & prayers for this officer & his family, co-workers, & friends!

  6. sunshine girl says:

    Nothing more to say it has already been said by so many. How wonderful to have all those good thoughts and prayers headin your way. Lets hope they work.

  7. Rhonda Bridges says:

    Thoughts and prayers go out to Perry and his family and many who love him . He is one if the kindest guys you want to meet . In my daily Prayers from Oklahoma

  8. patty dahlquist says:

    LOTS AND LOTS OF PRAYER AND KEEP THE FAITH… PERRY WAS NOT ONLY THERE AS A PROTECTOR AND ALL , BUT FRIENDS WITH US ALL – PLEASE GOD…KEEP THIS MAN HERE FOR US AND HIS FAMILY… SO US YOU POWER AND LOVE…. THIS MAN IS A BLESSING TO JOB, AND FRIENDS…. AND OUR TOWN….AMEN….LIGHTING A CANDLE AND WELL KEEP IT GOING….PATTY DAHLQUIST …

  9. Washington State C.O.P.S. says:

    Washington State Concerns of Police Survivors offers prayers for swift and complete healing of Office Royle.

  10. Tonya says:

    Perry, was always there for me. He helped In so many ways. Thank you,Perry for everything you did and do. We will keep praying for you.

  11. Susan Hiller says:

    I will continue to pray for Perry. I knew him when I worked in Morton. He always has a smile for everyone and a friendly hello!

  12. Rebecca Allen says:

    I have known Perry for over 20 yrs, he is my daughters uncle, and have never seen him be anything other than honest, giving, and loving to his family and his community. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time.

  13. Grace says:

    Prayers be with this man. I have known him for a long time and in so have had many positive experiences. A week ago he was kind enough to help me out when he was off duty and I had run out of gas. The last thing he said to be was that he believed in me during a time in my life when I need to hear things like that the most. I am greatly saddened and he is in my prayers.

  14. Kayla Lopez says:

    Sending lots of positive vibes their way. He’s done a lot of good things for a lot of people. Here’s to hoping he makes a full recovery!

  15. Margaret House says:

    I don’t live in Washington and didn’t know this police officer but it is great to hear people praise their local law enforcement. I pray he gets well. His people are going to miss him while he is gone.

  16. Venus and Family says:

    All positive healing thoughts go out to Perry. You have always watched out for my children and family and for that you have my utmost respect. Hoping for a speedy and full recovery. As an Officer of what is turning out to become corrupt and Lawless forces, you are still one of the real cops, doing your job protecting and serving. We need you out there, in uniform or not. Blessed Be.

  17. Perry has always been there for anyone who has needed him.. He has treated my kids with respect and helped them thru hard times..Our town will never be the same without him e will always be missing the great sweet awesome man he has always been.. My heart, love, and prayers go out to the royle family… God Bless you all..

  18. Ginny's says:

    I don’t know you, but have friends that do. I have said a prayer for you. Anyone who lays his/her life on the others is a hero. Please get better fast, the world needs more of you.

  19. AuntyBea says:

    Perry is a HUGE asset to our community. He is everything a police officer should be and more than most will ever be. Serving as protector,enforcer,psychologist,mediator and medic is all in a days work. Somehow he still manages to smile and joke with people. Even late into the night. I really cannot imagine our town being the same without him. Please Lord hear our prayers and bless us with his Presence for many years to come.

  20. Laura says:

    We are praying for your full and speedy recovery Perry. Love you my friend

  21. Tara Coleman says:

    Perry is a wonderful man and friend. Someone I’ve known for many years. Growing up I babysat for his children and got to know what a wonderful person he is. Perry is a guardian for this community and has tremendous support from all who know him . Everyone is sending love and prayers for him and family as we are all hoping he makes a full recovery.

  22. Brenda Wentworth & Robert Nelson says:

    Perry has always been there for us and I hope all goes well, prayers for him & his family

  23. Rick Dawson says:

    May the lord hear our prayers for him and his family. And may he keep u all inside his hug and protect u all.

  24. William Bieber says:

    Prayers for that man. Great guy.

  25. pshaaw says:

    Prayers for Perry <3

  26. Lisarae says:

    Perry is a great guy, who always treated me and mine with respect~ Thinking of you and your family today Perry!!

  27. Mesays says:

    Prayers for Perry & family.