I want to express my sincerest gratitude and appreciation to the Highline Times for the publicity they provided the gang unit petition and the 5,500 citizens and merchants of Burien/ North Highline and beyond who supported the Steve Cox Gang Unit petition with their signatures.

In cooperation with the King County Council, County Executive Ron Sims recently announced funding for the countywide gang unit composed of a sergeant and two detectives to focus on ridding our community of growing gang crime.

I have been told by county leaders that without the petitions you signed, the gang unit would not have happened. So pat yourselves on the back. You deserve the recognition for the success of the petition. Thanks to all of you.

In memory of my son,

JoAn Cox

Burien