Denis Walter Austin, Jr., age 75 passed peacefully on October 22, 2023, at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, WA. Denis was born on June 29, 1948, in Salinas, California to Denis and Mildred Austin and grew up in Salinas, CA. Denis married Patricia Faria, his wife of 47 years, in Carson City Navada in 1975 where they lived for twenty years before moving to Pasco, WA. Denis and Patty had three children: Steven Austin (Nicole), Beth Austin and Angela Austin Ayres (Jeff) all residing in the Tri-Cities. Denis and Patty also had three grandchildren: Matthew Austin, Megan Austin, and Easton Ayres. Denis is survived by his wife Patricia Austin, brother David Austin (Phyllis), son, two daughters, two grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Denis was preceded in death by his parents, older brother Ed Alford, older sisters Donna Anderson, and Vonnie Parker and his grandson Matthew Austin. Denis enlisted in the US Navy in May, 1966 and served two tours in Viet Nam. Upon returning home in November, 1969 he moved to Yerington, NV to be near family. He later enlisted in the Army Guard Reserve in Carson City, NV. Denis enjoyed a 41-year career in law enforcement which started with the Yerington Police Department in Yerington NV as a reserve and police officer, then on to the Carson City Sheriff’s Office in Carson City, NV where he worked in all capacities of law enforcement, and finally, the Pasco Police Department in Pasco, WA where he proudly served as Chief of Police for 16 years. While law enforcement was always a passion and calling for Denis, he loved his family dearly and nothing made him happier than the 47 years he was married to his wife and the years watching his children and grandchildren grow, achieve and prosper in life. He loved attending the many sporting events, 4-H competitions, Scouting events and school activities for his children and grandchildren. Denis also enjoyed working on showing his classic 32 Ford Coupe, competing in BBQ competitions with friends, camping and he was an accomplished guitarist – always playing all genres of music for his kids to sing along to. He enjoyed reading about history and was quite the trivia and music buff – ask him anything and he would have the answer. He was also very active in the communities he served. He was instrumental in creating the Carson City Boys & Girls Club and then the Boys & Girls Club of Benton & Franklin Counties. He believed the children in our community should be given every opportunity and the resources to create the best possible future for themselves. He was a member of the Carson City Kiwanis Club, Pasco Kiwanis Club, National Sheriff’s Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. A memorial service will be held on November 10, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Kennewick First United Methodist Church, 2 S. Dayton Street, Kennewick, WA. A private ceremony for family and law enforcement honoring his military service is scheduled for November 10, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Gardens Cemetery – Veterans Garden. Arrangements are being handled by Einan’s at Sunset in Richland, WA. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Pasco Police Foundation which supports their community outreach efforts. Please contact Pasco Police Department at 509-545-3421 for digital links for payment or mail to: Pasco Police Foundation, 215 W. Sylvester Street, Pasco, WA 99301.