Saluting the fallen officers as they pass by. (via MIKE SIEGEL / THE SEATTLE TIMES)

Fetha Styx would like to offer our continuing condolences to the families, friends, fellow officers, and community affected by the sudden deaths of Sgt. Mark Renninger, 39; officer Ronald Owens, 37; officer Tina Griswold, 40; and officer Gregory Richards, 42.

A flag over the overpass at S. Union Ave., looking down at South Tacoma Way, as the procession of officers passes by on their way to the Tacoma Dome. (via ELLEN M. BANNER / THE SEATTLE TIMES)

The memorial service on December 8th paid a fitting and respectful tribute to the wonderful lives and work of these servicemen.

Seattle Times video of the memorial procession:

The Times also penned an emotional and tasteful article on the service: Memories of four Lakewood officers bring tears, laughter.

Tragic instances like these, and our desire to honor all servicemen and their families are why we created our True Hero series of rods (press release). Through fishing, we hope to positively honor and remember our servicemen. Our hearts go out to Lakewood’s fallen officers, families and friends.

Fetha Styx is currently auctioning four True Hero rods in four separate five day auctions. All money raised will go to the Lakewood Police Independent Guild, a non-profit, volunteer organization that supports officers and their families. To access the eBay auctions, please click here. For more information on the auctions, read here.

Also see the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

What do you think? Cool cause? What group or organization would you honor if you could dedicate a rod series to them?

Redmond Wash. (June 2009)– In recognition of the everyday heroes who answer our calls for help and protect us from harm, Fetha Styx is proud to announce the release of our “True Hero” series of fishing rods. Fetha Styx will donate $10 from the sale of every rod, in the “True Hero” series, to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation or the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

“Our inspiration behind the True Hero series is to not only provide a rod that is a blast to fish, but also to honor the firefighters and law enforcement officers we all depend on for our safety and peace of mind,” said Bill Boyce, CEO of Fetha Styx.

The “True Hero” line includes eleven special-edition models, each featuring a sleek design constructed of custom, high-quality components with trim in fire engine red or police cobalt blue. All models—which include rods designed for trout, bass, salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, general saltwater and travel—are counter balanced to eliminate fatigue and increase sensitivity.

Each rod will be emblazoned with custom artwork and logos that recognize these professionals. In addition, these rods can be personalized to include a name, badge number, firehouse, or precinct inscribed onto the blank.

The suggested retail price of “True Hero” rods range from $225 to $300 USD, however Fetha Styx is offering the rods in this series to current and retired firefighters and law enforcement officers at a significantly discounted rate. To qualify for the True Hero price, proof of past or current employment, such as a union card, is required.

The “True Hero” series will be officially launched at the 2009 World Police and Fire Games in Vancouver, BC, Canada this August.  From July 15-17, a sneak peek of the line will be available to attendees of the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST.

Due to the tremendous interest in this series, Fetha Styx is now taking pre-orders for the “True Hero” series. For more information or to pre-order please contact Fetha Styx at truehero@fethastyx.com or 877-356-9545.

Want to learn more? You can find us online at www.fethastyx.com. We also invite you to follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/FethaStyx) and friend us on Facebook.

EDITOR’S NOTE: To request a “True Hero” or any other Fetha Styx rod for review, please contact Ginger Vaughan via email (ginger@quinnbrein.com) or at 206-842-8922.