At a ceremony held in the Capitol Rotunda this morning, 37 Washington State Patrol Troopers were sworn in by Washington State Supreme Court Justice James Johnson, and presented their commission cards by Governor Christine Gregoire and Chief John R. Batiste.
The Washington State Patrol Academy only produces approximately three cadet classes each biennium, which accounts for about 120 new troopers. Historically, only about four to six percent of the total number of applicants makes the grade to become WSP Troopers. Six of the 37 troopers sworn in today have been assigned to patrol the Tacoma area.
A tradition that began over 91 years ago on June 21, 1921, when six men kick-started their Harley motorcycles, strapped on an arm band, and started a proud tradition known today as the Washington State Patrol continues to this day with the graduation of the 100th Trooper Basic Training Class. The event was signaled by the stream of shiny white patrol cars parked in the lanes leading up to the capitol steps.
During the ceremony, the Core Values Award was presented to Trooper Marcus A. Sanchez. This award is presented to the trooper cadet who most typifies the training division core values. The recipient of this award was determined by an anonymous vote of his classmates, and is sponsored by the Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation. The award honors the most recent State Patrol employee to give their life in service to the citizens of the state of Washington. Trooper Tony Radulescu was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 23, 2012, and this award was presented today in his honor.
37 Washington State Patrol Troopers were sworn in by Washington State Supreme Court Justice James Johnson, and presented their commission cards by Governor Christine Gregoire and Chief John R. Batiste at a ceremony held in the Capitol Rotunda Friday morning. (PHOTO COURTESY WASHINGTON STATE PATROL)
37 Washington State Patrol Troopers were sworn in by Washington State Supreme Court Justice James Johnson, and presented their commission cards by Governor Christine Gregoire and Chief John R. Batiste at a ceremony held in the Capitol Rotunda Friday morning. (PHOTO COURTESY WASHINGTON STATE PATROL)
