Other police agencies step in to help after Bainbridge officer’s death

The Bainbridge Island Police Department has been overwhelmed with offers of help following the death of Police Officer Kurt Enget early Friday morning, city officials said.

Enget, 49, passed away following treatment for symptoms similar to COVID-19 at Harrison Medical Center. His last day at work was March 27.

Enget was a five-year veteran of the Bainbridge Island Police Department and the agency’s officer assigned to its K-9 officer, Whitney.

City officials said a fellow Bainbridge officer has stepped up to continue to care for Whitney.

Bainbridge has received multiple offers of mutual aid coverage from other law enforcement agencies in the region, and nearby departments have said they will send officers to help with patrols on the island and respond to 911 calls.

As such, the city is advising residents they may see other law enforcement agency vehicles on the island.

Enget’s body was taken to the Kitsap County Coroner’s Office early Friday morning, where the cause of death will be determined.

His body was escorted by representatives from the Washington State Patrol, the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, the Bremerton Police Department, the Poulsbo Police Department, the Port Orchard Police Department, the Suquamish Police Department, the Bainbridge Island Fire Department, as well as and other neighboring law enforcement agencies.

Enget is survived by his wife, Yevette; three children; and two grandchildren.

Bainbridge officials noted that information on a memorial service is pending, due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, and will be shared with the community at a later time.

“We understand the importance of honoring Officer Enget and will work with his family to consider how to best move forward in honoring him,” the city said in an announcement Friday.

A fund for Enget’s family has been set up at https://www.gofundme.com/f/bipg-support-for-kurt-and-yvette-enget?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1.