By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News; Photos courtesy of Paula Cortez
Back in the summer of 1950, a momentous event was organized to celebrate the connection many Seattleites share with the local waters. Long before the establishment of sports teams like the Seahawks, Mariners, and the Sounders, this ten-day festival was the spectator event that everyone looked forward to each year.
Originally, Seafair was established to pay homage to the city’s maritime history as well as claim the title for Seattle as the ‘boating capital of the world’. The first Seafair festival included a milk carton boat derby at Green Lake, a show by synchronized swimmers the Aqua Follies, the debut of the Seafair Pirates, a beauty pageant dubbed the Queen of the Seas, bicycle races, a boat parade, and a steamboat race on Elliott Bay.
In the following years, the festival would add several other fan favorite events such as the famous aerobatics show by the Blue Angels, a triathlon, a fireworks show, and hydroplane races on Lake Washington. The event has grown tremendously since its inception, expanding from ten days to the entire summer.
This year’s Seafair celebrations took place from June 20to August 3. And during its last weekend of August 1-3, at the Apollo Mechanical Cup Hydroplane Race, a special tribute was paid to seven local police officers who died in the line of duty, which included Tulalip Fish & Wildlife Officer, Charlie Cortez. Upon each hydroplane, the officer’s names were emblazoned on the spoiler of the vessel, which is just about as badass as it gets, as far as tributes go.
Said Charlie’s mother, Paula Cortez, “We initially got an email from the Behind the Badge Foundation that invited us to the hydroplane races, letting us know that they will be honoring Charlie on one of the hydroplanes at the Seafair. And the date we got notified was actually on Charlie’s birthday, May 28. We all made a commitment to go.”
The family made the journey from the reservation to Genesse Park, located on the banks of Lake Washington. Paula was joined by Charlie’s father, Alan, his aunt Teri, his grandmother Sandra, his brother Moochi, his cousin Tyson, and his two children, Dominic and Peyton.
Once they arrived, they had the chance to view the U-27 Miss Apollo up close, the hydroplane that bore Charlie’s name and End of Watch date. They also met with the mechanics in the pit crew, as well as Miss Apollo’s pilot, Dave Vilwock.
“I presented Dave Vilwock with a coin and a necklace with Charlie’s picture on it,” shared Alan. “And then he wanted to know the story behind Charlie, so I went ahead and told him what happened that night and that we never got to bury him. They had no idea. And then his crew started showing up one-by-one so we explained the story to them, so they knew as well.
“I shared with them that Charlie used to race motocross and was one of the only tribal members that made it to the pros. They were happy to hear that. It was a good day, I kind of struggled with going, but once I got there, everything just kind of fell into place and I got to open up. I’m glad that we went.”
This November 17 will mark five years since Officer Cortez was pronounced lost at sea while in the line of duty. On that stormy night in 2020, Charlie’s boat was capsized while he was returning home after safely escorting another boat to the Everett Marina. This news sparked a nationwide show of support and numerous volunteers joined in the weeks of searching before he was presumed deceased.
Following that night’s tragic event, Charlie’s loved ones were embraced by the law enforcement community, particularly the Behind the Badge Foundation. In the family’s darkest hour, the foundation assured them that he would be honored – and his legacy, that of a hero, would be shared for years to come. Behind the Badge has kept their promise to the family and over the past several years Charlie’s name has been etched into a number of memorial walls and read aloud during roll call at vigils across the country. Tulalip also paid tribute to Charlie by naming the new Marina building in his honor. And his famous smile will be remembered forever, as his photo is featured on a plaque outside of the building, and it is the first thing many people see as they enter the facility.
Once their meet and greet with the crew of Miss Apollo was complete, the family was personally escorted throughout Genesse Park for the races. One of the highlights for the Cortez squad was meeting the families of the six other fallen officers.
“It wasn’t hard talking about Charlie. It was gratifying to talk to other families and hear and listen to their stories of their loved ones,” voiced Alan. “There was a family two tables away from us and I went to talk with them while the grandkids were swimming. I asked if they still had a hard time, and they said there are good days and bad days. That’s just like how it is for us. You know, those families kind of understand what we’re going through with no closure.”
Paula added, “It was a chance for us to connect with other survivors and that’s part of healing. And for the kids, I think this was important so that they understand the severity of what happened and keep his memory alive. They’re going to enjoy these memories when they’re older and will understand why we have them come with us to these honorings. I think that they’ll appreciate it in the long run. It was good for them to be a part of this.”
After making its way through the circuit at upwards of 220 mph, and leaving behind towering rooster tails in its wake, the Miss Apollo hydroplane placed third in the weekend’s races. The Cortez family was presented with a plaque with Charlie’s name as well as limited edition decal replicas that matched Pilot Vilwock’s vessel.
“Third place; that’s a podium! It was an extraordinary celebration of honor, remembrance, and gracious hospitality,” Paula stated. “We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to H1 Unlimited, Beacon Plumbing, and Behind the Badge Foundation for presenting a truly memorable event at the Seafair hydroplane races. Their attentive care made our experience seamless and enjoyable. When the Behind the Badge says, ‘We will never forget’, they truly live by that commitment. The sight of Charlie Cortez’s name on the U-27 Miss Apollo hydroplane was genuinely uplifting. Thank you for racing in honor of our son at Seafair 2025.”