SEATTLE—
It could have been a very different story to tell if things went off as planned. The City of Seattle could have mourned the deaths of two officers if Officer Britt Sweeney didn't act quick enough. Luckily, the training she received as an officer got her through that fateful night.It was Halloween at about 9:30pm. Officer Sweeney was sitting on the passenger side of a Seattle police vehicle parked on 29th and Yestler. A car slowly drove up and the person inside started shooting at the officers. In just a few seconds, the shooting took the life of Officer Timothy Brenton and ultimately changed the course of Officer Sweeney's life forever.
In an exclusive interview with WMW and Q13 FOX, Officer Britt Sweeney was hopeful and in good spirits despite the tragedy that happened 19 days ago. She said she had an overwhelming amount of support from the community and fellow police officers. In fact, she has heard from over 7,000 of her supporters on Facebook.
"It's what gets me through day-to-day," Officer Sweeney says. "I can't lie. It's those messages in my hard times that I read and I have read every single message, many multiple times."
Thousands of supporters joined a Facebook group in support of Officer Sweeney. She says she reads every message that comes through. "It's been a surreal experience. It's made me realize that people, my brothers and sisters of Seattle, and city of Seattle and the country are behind me. It's been very moving." says Officer Sweeney.
She says with all things considered, she is doing well. "I find it hard to fail with the support that I've been given."
Officer Sweeney hopes to get out on the streets again on patrol. She feels a bit of anxiety but says the tragedy is not stopping her from being a police officer. "It would be a disservice to Tim to not get back out there and live my life and fight the fight." says Sweeney.
She only had a few days of training with Officer Brenton before he was killed. She recalls that they laughed and started to share a bond.
Despite everything she's been through, Officer Sweeney says she will remain an officer for a 'lifetime.'
