When Michael Coury steps into his new role as a Kent police officer, he does so carrying a profound purpose. His decision to join law enforcement is rooted in tragedy—one that reshaped his life forever.
On July 11, 2023, Coury’s 12-year-old son, Gabriel, was struck and killed by a drunk driver outside their home as he walked back from a neighborhood park. The crash shattered a family, but it also set Coury on a new path.
“I lost my son that night, and it was life-changing,” he said. “But something else happened, too—I knew my life was going in a different direction.”
That night, Kent Police Officer Morrison was the first to arrive at the scene. His compassion and humanity left a mark on Coury and his family. Morrison not only handled the tragedy with care but also continued to check in on the family in the days afterward.
“The level of empathy he showed us really stuck with me,” Coury said. “I kept thinking about him and the impact he had on my family.”
Inspired, Coury and his wife enrolled in Kent’s Community Police Academy, a nine-week program that provided them with a deeper understanding of what officers face daily. There, Coury had what he calls his “light bulb moment.”
“I realized I wanted to be the person who shows up for others in their worst moments, the way Officer Morrison showed up for me,” he said.
Coury spent 15 years in the tech industry before making this 180-degree career shift. At 44, he sees his path into policing as a chance to bring something different to the profession—compassion, empathy, and perspective.
“I know I’m going to face some dark things on the street,” he said. “But the training at CJTC and my own life experience will help me approach every call with an open mind, kindness, and respect—no matter the situation.”
At the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, Coury is learning how to translate his commitment into action. “The training gives me tools to connect with people from all walks of life,” he said. “Every call is different, and it’s about understanding yourself as much as understanding the person in front of you.”
Coury also carries a deeply personal reminder with him during training: a small container of Gabriel’s ashes in his duty bag.
“Every day I’m here, I do it to honor my son,” he said. “It’s a constant reminder of why I’m doing this, and it helps me make him and my family proud.”
As graduation approaches, Coury’s wife and two grown kids will be by his side, pinning on his badge. Their unwavering support has carried him through the academy.
“Their love and strength have kept me going,” he said.
For Coury, policing is not just a job—it’s a tribute. A tribute to Gabriel’s memory. A tribute to the family who stood by him. And a tribute to the belief that compassion and empathy can shape how law enforcement serves communities.