John H. Dowies was a 44-year-old patrolman with the Tenino Police Department and a Vietnam War Army veteran. He had served six years with Tenino after previously working at the Yelm Police Department. He was married and a father of four children.

On the night of January 18, 1978, Dowies was assisting another agency trying to locate a man wanted from an earlier disturbance. Knowing the suspect, Dowies went to the man’s home at 210 Avenue in Tenino at about 11:30 p.m. A struggle occurred and the 20-year-old suspect gained control of Dowies’ service weapon and shot him, inflicting a mortal wound. The suspect was quickly apprehended after the shooting.

What information do readers have about Dowies’ life or service in Tenino that could add context to this case?