From Washington State Patrol:
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, who welcomed them into an organization known and trusted by the citizens of Washington State.
Six graduating troopers were assigned to patrol in Pierce County, based out of Tacoma. They were Andrew Derr, Shaneka Phillips, Erik Rasmussen, Brett Robertson, Timothy Rushton, and Joshua Sanborn.
After completing over 1,000 hours of training, these men and women will join Washington’s premier law enforcement organization. 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.
“The 37 cadets graduating today endured a rigorous application process, extensive background investigation, and received the best training, unmatched anywhere else in the nation,” said Chief John Batiste. “Today, they will join the ranks of Washington’s finest, as troopers of the Washington State Patrol.”
A tradition that began over 91 years ago on June 21, 1921, when six brave men kick-started their Harley motorcycles, strapped on an arm band, and started a proud tradition known today as the Washington State Patrol. The tradition continues to this day with the graduation of the 100th Trooper Basic Training Class today at the Capitol Rotunda, 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, which include Honesty, Integrity, Team-Orientation, Attention to Detail, Adaptability, Self-Discipline, Performance-Driven, Professionalism, Officer Safety, and Sense of Urgency. 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 February 23, 2012, and this award was presented today in his honor. Ms. Gina Miller presented the award to Trooper Sanchez.
