Bainbridge Island Police officer dies from possible COVID-19 infection

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash. -- A 5-year veteran of the Bainbridge Island Police Department died Friday morning from symptoms similar to COVID-19, city officials announced.

Kurt Enget, 49, had been hospitalized in Bremerton for a COVID-19-like illness since Sunday, though his exact cause of death has not been released, said Bainbridge Island spokesperson Kristen Drew.

Our hearts go out to Officer Enget's family, his wife of 21 years Yevette, and his three children," said Bainbridge Island City Manager Morgan Smith. "His passing will leave a hole in our city that's difficult to accept."

Officer Enget is the first member of the City of Bainbridge Island Police Department family to die in the line of duty.

"We was one of our most loved officers on the island," said Bainbridge Island Interim Police Chief Scott Weiss.

Enget first became a police officer in Suquamish in 2005 after an 18-year career at Safeway, joining the Bainbridge Island Department in 2015 and becoming a K-9 officer.

He's since won numerous awards for his heroic actions as officer over the past three years, including saving a capsized kayaker.

“Kurt was a very important member of our team, known by so many in our community, including those at the dog park where he often brought K-9 Whitney,” Weiss said. “He was a friendly and caring officer who embodied what it means to be a member of the Bainbridge Island Police Department. He was an irreplaceable colleague, dedicated to service to the entire community, and we will miss him greatly.”

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

Enget was last in the office on March 27 and city officials don’t know of any potential exposure to other co-workers as it's unclear if he indeed had COVID-19, Drew said.

Several other neighboring law enforcement agencies are offering to help cover Bainbridge Island needs in the short term so the department can grieve.

"We couldn't get though this without them and it is truly appreciated," Weiss said.

A fellow Bainbridge Island officer will take over caring for Enget's K-9 partner Whitney.

A memorial service is on hold pending the COVID-19 outbreak, but the public will be invited to honor Enget after the outbreak passes.

A GoFundMe account has been established for Enget's family by the Bainbridge Island Police Guild.