Fundraiser planned for deputy who shot wife

EPHRATA — A fundraiser is planned to raise funds for the family of a Grant County Sheriff’s Office deputy who shot his wife in Moses Lake earlier this month. The shooting is believed to be accidental.

Marina Romary, who used to dish up gyros and Greek salads at the Grant County Fair, will be teaming up with Ephrata Pita Pit franchisee Pam Leseman for a fundraiser to benefit deputy Jose Rivera and his family on Sunday. The fundraiser will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ephrata Pita Pit, 26 Basin St. NW, with deputies helping to serve the gyros and salads.

“Marina’s and Pam’s generosity is a symbol of how much people step up and help others in Grant County,” Sheriff Tom Jones said. “Everyone who attends Sunday’s event will walk away with a full belly and a full heart.”

All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to helping pay for Sydney Rivera’s medical expenses. Sydney was struck by a bullet Aug. 9 at her Moses Lake home. Initial information indicates Jose Rivera, her husband, who has been a patrol deputy since January 2016, was handling a firearm when it discharged and a bullet struck Sydney in the arm and chest. She was transported to Samaritan Hospital after the shooting and transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for further treatment and surgeries.

So far she has undergone a successful open heart surgery to remove the bullet from her heart, as well as surgeries to repair her arm and lung. Jose has been placed on paid administrative leave as the Columbia Basin Investigate Team investigates the shooting. Jose and Sydney have told investigators the shooting was accidental.

A GoFundMe page was set up to help the Riveras with medical expenses. So far more than $10,600 has been raised. To donate visit www.gofundme.com/bringriverafamilyhome.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.