Retirement - Charles P. "Chuck" LeBlanc

Captain Charles P. “Chuck” LeBlanc retired Dec. 12, 2014 after 25 years of dedicated service to the Washington State Patrol and to the citizens of the state of Washington.

Chuck was born in Tacoma, Washington and raised in Kaneohe, Hawaii.  He proudly served in the United States Navy for four years following his graduation from high school. 

• Chuck began his employment with the Washington State Patrol on May 30, 1989, as a Trooper Cadet assigned to East Tacoma. 

• On February 10, 1990, he graduated with the 69th Trooper Basic Training Class and was assigned to District 7, Monroe (Stevens Pass).  

• He transferred to Everett on Jan. 24, 1996.

• Chuck was appointed to the staff position of Problem Oriented Public Safety (POPS) Trooper on August 21, 2000.

• On June 12, 2001, Chuck promoted to RCW Sergeant assigned to Silver Lake. 

• He was appointed Detective Sergeant on September 1, 2003, assigned to the Office Of Professional Standards.

• Chuck transferred to the Training Division on September 1, 2005.

• On November 1, 2007, he transferred back to the Office Of Professional Standards.   

• Chuck promoted to RCW Lieutenant on June 16, 2010, assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division.

• Chuck was promoted to Staff Captain on February 16, 2013, remaining with the Criminal Investigation Division.

• On January 10, 2014, he transferred to Tacoma as the District 1 commander.

Chuck would like to thank Sally, his wife of 23+ years, and their sons Zachary, Samuel and Jared for their unwavering love and support throughout his career. He also expresses his appreciation to his extended family, WSP family and friends for their support and encouragement along the way.

Promotion - Christopher P. Wilson

Christopher P. Wilson was promoted to RCW Sergeant effective August 1, 2014, assigned to District 2, Seattle. 

Christopher was born in Chicago, IL and graduated from North Thurston High School in Lacey.

• Christopher began his career with the Washington State Patrol on Oct. 28, 1996, as an Automotive Mechanic assigned to the Fleet Section in Shelton.

• On April 16, 2004, he transferred to the Supply Section as a Trooper Cadet. Christopher then transferred to the Aviation Section of the Special Operations Division on June 3, 2004.

• He graduated with the 91st Trooper Basic Training Class and was commissioned on Jan. 5, 2005, assigned to Hoquiam.

• On Feb. 1, 2009, he transferred to Olympia.

• Christopher transferred back to Hoquiam on April 1, 2012.

• He was appointed to trooper detective on June 1, 2013, assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division.

Christopher would like to thank Chief Shawn Berry, Captain Jason Berry, Lieutenant Tyler Drake, Lieutenant Shane Nelson, Lieutenant Jeff Closner, Sergeant Ted Dehart, Detective Jared Hoyt And Detective Ron Somerville.

Promotion - Felix E. Sweetman

Felix E. Sweetman was promoted to RCW Sergeant effective August 16, 2014, assigned to Bellevue.

He was born in Lakewood, Washington and graduated from Lakes High School. Felix went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in American Ethnic Studies from the University Of Washington in December, 2006.

• Felix began his career with the Washington State Patrol on September 4, 2007, as a Trooper Cadet assigned to Gig Harbor.

• He graduated with the 96th Trooper Basic Training Class and was commissioned on January 30, 2009, assigned to Bellevue.

Felix would like to thank his wife, Kimberly, and his sons, Felix and James, for their love, support, and motivation through the years.  He would also like to thank his parents Melanie and Felix, his co-workers from District 2 and his mentors which include Lieutenants Monica & Johnny Alexander and Lieutenant Clint Casebolt.

Lastly a special thanks to his father-in-law, retired Pierce County Corrections Lieutenant James D. Blanchard, who is no longer with us. He helped Felix in choosing a career path. He strongly encouraged Felix to pursue a job as a Washington State Trooper. He knew the Washington State Patrol is highly respected and would be a rewarding career for Felix.

# # #

Promotion - Anthony (Tony) Amorati

Anthony J. Amorati was promoted to Communications Officer 4, effective August 1, 2014, assigned to Wenatchee communications.

Tony was born in Vicenza, Italy. He graduated from Tumwater High School in Tumwater. Tony earned his Associate of Arts degree in business from Centralia Community College.

• Tony began his career with the Washington State Patrol on May 7, 1996 as a Communications Officer, assigned to Wenatchee. He promoted to Communications Officer 1 on May 7, 1997.

• In February 2004, he received the 2004 district Communications Officer of the Year award.

• On August 6, 2004, Tony was promoted to Communications Officer 2, remaining in Wenatchee.

• He received a district commendation award in response to the shooting of an off-duty Grant County sheriff’s deputy in March of 2008.

• On February 16, 2011, he was promoted to Communications Officer 3, remaining in Wenatchee.

Tony would like to thank Mr. Mark Layhew and Ms. Meagan Renick for this opportunity to further serve the occupants of Washington; Yvonne LeBlanc for the training, support, and encouragement; his family – especially his wife Ellen and mother Anna for their encouragement and support; and everyone with the patrol that helped and encouraged him along the way.

# # #

Compliment - Trooper Jeff Helmer

The following thank you letter was received at D7 Headquarters in regards to an incident handled by Trooper Jeff Helmer.

Good evening,

On Saturday afternoon my sister's (Ashleigh Simons) dog, Remus, knocked over a desk and broke out a window in her apartment (Cambridge Apts).  My sister came home to find him missing and she was devastated.  She spent the entire night sobbing and searching for her Remus.  This morning she called VCA Lynnwood and she found out he was there - alive - in stable condition  She has spent most of the day there with him.

Much to our surprise, the vet told us that Remus was found after being hit by a car on I-5 (?) and his savior was Trooper Jeff Helmer.  The staff at VCA Lynnwood raved about the tender care and love Trooper Helmer gave to Remus. We have been told that Trooper Helmer went above and beyond the call of duty. 

I want to tell you how grateful I am to Trooper Helmer.  My sister and Remus have lived with us (I'm 13 years older!) and I love them both dearly.  Remus means the world to my sister.  They have been through a lot together and he's her best friend.  She would have been heart broken to lose him.  Thanks to Trooper Helmer, Ashleigh doesn't have to say good bye to her beloved pet. 

Please let Trooper Helmer know that Remus sustained a severed tendon in his leg, some injury to he rear end, and broken teeth.  BUT, he is stable and should be ok after a surgery.  It is likely that Trooper Helmer saved his life. 

Thank you so very much.  Trooper Helmer's actions on Saturday have made a profound impact on several lives. Human and canine.  Trooper Helmer treated this dog's life as precious.  This is the kind of man I want wearing a uniform and protecting me and my family. 

The Washington State Patrol has my appreciation and gratitude.  You may call any time if you have questions.  My sister will be writing when she is able.

Thank you,

Jennifer Aragon, Esq.
Lynnwood, WA

Transitions

The following personnel actions were taken during October 2014. Congratulations to all on the many new chapters in their lives.      
           
NEW HIRES           
           
CARNES, Amie N.    FT1-CRD Ident/CH Fingerprint Night    CF003110    eff: 10/20/14
DRYE, Brandon R.L.    CVEO1-MCS POE N D7 Det 30    HA072230    eff: 10/01/14
DUNN, Joyce E.    WO1-PMD FS Supply Warehouse    HC004320    eff: 10/16/14
NGUYEN, David V.    FS3-FLSB Toxicology    FF002300    eff: 10/13/14
MATTIX, Otto I.    Trp. Cadet-CRD Ident/CH    CF003230    eff: 10/16/14
HETZEL, Melissa J.    LT2-Spokane Crime Lab    FD046210    eff: 09/02/14
MERZ, Kelly R.    DSFM-FPB FTD Instruction    EA002000    eff: 09/01/14
MORTON, Sabrina B.    CO-Bellevue Communications    DD022000    eff: 10/13/14
POYNER, Frank L.    DSFM-FPB FTD Instruction    EA002000    eff: 10/01/14
WEHNER, Elizabeth A.    FS2-Toxicology Lab - Lab B    FF002300    eff: 10/13/14
           
REHIRE           
           
MALLAHAN, Christine M.    VIN Officer-CID Auto Theft    CC074200    eff: 10/01/14
TARDIFF, Dennis R.    MM1-D2 Operations    BB028000    eff: 10/16/14
WARREN, Donna M.    CO1-Bremerton Communications    DD081000    eff: 10/26/14
           
PROMOTIONS           
           
CLARK, Bobby M.    Sergeant-D7 Bellingham Det 14    BB074040    eff: 10/01/14
COX, Janna L.    CSS2-CVD Safety Net     HB005500    eff: 07/01/14
DURFEE, Shannon M.    CO3-Wenatchee Communications    DD062000    eff: 10/01/14
FLOYD, Kathryn A.    TPT2-CVD Safety Net    HB005500    eff: 07/01/14
HAYDEN, Grant K.    Trooper-D2 North Reg Det 2    BB025020    eff: 10/01/14
JENSEN, Theresa A.    Procurement & Sup Spec 3-PMD Supply    HC004320    eff: 05/16/14
KNORR, Katie C.    FS3-Toxicology Lab - Lab B    FF002300    eff: 10/01/14
LEWIS, Benjamin L.    Sergeant-D7 Snohomish Co Fwy Det 1    BB072010    eff: 10/01/14
MOSLEY, Lisa-Carol    Sergeant-D7 Oak Harbor Det 7    BB074050    eff: 10/01/14
MCCANN, Katherine A.    Sec Supv-IAD Admin    CA001000    eff: 08/16/14
POWELL, Linda R.    CVEO4-MCSD MCS POE South    HA202045    eff: 10/01/14
RASMUSSEN, Katie L.    CO1-Bellevue Communications    DD023000    eff: 10/21/14
STOTLER, Anita D.    CO1-Yakima Communications    DD031000    eff: 10/22/14
           
TRANSFERS           
           
ALLEN, Nicholas J.    Trp. Cadet-SOD Exec Svc Mansion    CD002010    eff: 10/27/14
ANDERSEN, Matthew K.    Trp. Det-CID CR Wenatchee     CC063100    eff: 10/16/14
BLACK, Aleksander D.    Trp. Cadet-SOD Exec Svc Mansion    CD002010    eff: 10/27/14
BLANKENSHIP, Jacob A.    Trp. Cadet-SOD Exec Svc Mansion    CD002010    eff: 10/27/14
BLANKERS, Jason T.    Trooper-Training Operations Instr 2    DG002030    eff: 10/16/14
BARTON, Bree A.    Trooper-D1 TZT Det 13    BB014060    eff: 10/17/14
BULLEY, Richard P.    Trp. Cadet-SOD Exec Svc Mansion    CD002010    eff: 10/27/14
DIXON, Brian F.    Sergeant-D2 North Reg Det 4    BB025040    eff: 10/01/14
ERDAHL, Paul D.    Sergeant-HRD TC Recruiting & Testing    DF008200    eff: 10/16/14
FREDERICK, Christopher M.    Trooper-HSD Reg 1 Brem VATS D 53    CE002300    eff: 10/16/14
GUNDERSON, Eric T.    Trp. Det-CID CR Tacoma     CC013100    eff: 10/16/14
HERRON, Coral L.    OA3-D4 Spokane Region 2    BB043000    eff: 10/01/14
HOPPER, Timothy M.    Trp. Cadet-SOD Exec Svc Mansion    CD002010    eff: 10/27/14
KLETKE, Mark D.    Trp. Cadet-SOD Exec Svc Mansion    CD002010    eff: 10/27/14
LAREDO, Juan C.    Trp. Cadet-SOD Exec Svc Mansion    CD002011    eff: 10/27/14
LINDEMANN, Kyle M.    Trp. Cadet-SOD Exec Svc Mansion    CD002011    eff: 10/27/14
MEYERS, John L.    Trp. Cadet-SOD Exec Svc Mansion    CD002010    eff: 10/27/14
MUNOZ, Daniel *    Trp. Cadet-SOD Exec Svc Mansion    CD002011    eff: 10/27/14
MUNOZ, David *    Trp. Cadet-SOD Exec Svc Mansion    CD002010    eff: 10/27/14
PARHAM, Matthew S.    Trp. Cadet-SOD Exec Svc Mansion    CD002010    eff: 10/27/14
SHEARER, Travis P.    Trooper-D7 SHCAT Det 16    BB072080    eff: 10/01/14
STELL, Christopher H.    Trp. Cadet-SOD Aviation - L&I Sec    CD003030    eff: 10/27/14
STOUMBAUGH, Kyle J.    Trp. Cadet-SOD Aviation - L&I Sec    CD003030    eff: 10/27/14
           
SEPARATIONS           
           
GRANRUD, Jennifer J.    OA3-CRD Ident/CH-CH Dispo Proc    CF003230    eff: 09/30/14
MIKINKA, Nathalie M.    Trp Cadet-Training Cadet Class    DG003000    eff: 09/10/14
MONG, Michael A.    Trooper-D2 North Reg Det 4    BB025040    eff: 10/11/14
NARAMORE, Holly B.    CVEO1-MCS POE S D5 Det 30    HA052430    eff: 08/18/14
ROMERO, Mayra A.    Trp Cadet-Training Cadet Class    DG003000    eff: 10/06/14
WILLIAMS, Sharon T.    Sr IT Proj Mgr-ITD Cust Svc Unit    DB005000    eff: 10/08/14
           
RETIREMENTS           
           
BLAKE, Bryant C.    Trooper-D4 Spokane Det 5    BB042050    eff: 10/31/14
WITMAN, Scott C.    Trooper-CID CR Marysville D7    CC073100    eff: 10/12/14

Retirement: Dennis R. Tardiff

Dennis R. Tardiff retired on September 19, 2014, after more than 15 years of dedicated service to the Washington State Patrol and to the citizens of Washington State.

Dennis was born in Detroit, Michigan and graduated from Southfield Lathrup High School in Southfield, Michigan. He earned his Associate of Arts degree in law enforcement from Central Texas College in May of 1994. In October of 2002 he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Kaplan University.

Dennis served honorably in the United States Army for a little over 20 years.

• Dennis began his employment with the Washington State Patrol on November 1, 1999, as a trooper cadet assigned to the Vehicle Identification Number section in Tacoma.
• He transferred to the Accident Records section on January 31, 2000, assigned to the Crash Program.
• On February 22, 2000, he transferred back to the VIN section in Tacoma.
• Dennis transferred to the Executive Services Section on April 3, 2000, assigned to Mansion Security.
• He graduated with the 86th trooper basic class and was commissioned on June 16, 2001, assigned to Bellevue.

The State Patrol and all Dennis' friends wish him well in retirement.

Promotion: Ernest L. Rampley

Ernest L. Rampley was promoted to RCW Sergeant effective September 1, 2014, assigned to the Commercial Vehicle Division in Wenatchee.

Ernie was born in Tonasket, Washington, and graduated from Tonasket High School. He earned his Associate of Arts degree in law enforcement from Spokane Community College in June, 1990.

• He began his career with the Washington State Patrol on January 13, 1992, as a Trooper Cadet assigned to Mansion Security.

• Ernie graduated with the 76th Trooper Basic Training Class and was commissioned on May 27, 1993, assigned to North Bend.

• On January 24, 1996, he transferred to Brewster.

• He was appointed as a Problem Oriented Public Safety (POPS) trooper for Okanogan on August 21, 2000.

• Ernie transferred to the Commercial Vehicle Division on October 16, 2005, assigned to Okanogan.

• In 2008, he was Trooper of the Year for District 6 and in 2009, he received Trooper of the Year in the Commercial Vehicle Division.

Ernest would like to thank his wife and kids for their support and encouragement.

Promotion: Beverly L. Wood

Beverly L. Wood was promoted to Secretary Supervisor on Sept. 1, 2014.

She was born in Cedar City, Utah and graduated from Wood River High School in Hailey, Idaho.  She also attended Brigham Young University in Rexburg, Idaho. 

• Beverly began her career with the Washington State Patrol on November 16, 2007, as an office assistant 3 with the Investigative Assistance Division in Olympia.

• On May 1, 2008, she was promoted to Secretary Senior with the Organized Crime Intelligence Unit in the Investigative assistance Division.

• Her position within the Organized Crime Intelligence Unit was reassigned to the Homeland Security Division in Seattle at the Washington State Fusion Center on June 1, 2012.

• Beverly promoted to an Administrative Assistant 3 with the Prevention Division of the Fire Protection Bureau on April 16, 2013.

• Upon her promotion to Secretary Supervisor, Beverly transferred to the Information Technology Division.

Beverly would like to thank Captain Randy Drake, Anjela St. John, Scott Jarmon and Steve Burns for their invaluable mentoring and exceptional examples of leadership in her career development.  She would also like to thank the various command staff, detectives, troopers and civil service staff who work in multiple divisions of the Patrol and who make it fun to come to work every day.  She would like to give special thanks to her husband Stewart, their 5 children and 6 grandchildren for their continued encouragement and support of her and her goals.

 

Promotion: Brian F. Dixon

It is with distinct pleasure that we acknowledge and honor Brian Dixon’s promotion to RCW Sergeant effective September 1, 2014.

Brian was born in Olympia, Washington, and graduated from Olympia High School.

• Brian began his career with the Washington State Patrol on July 5, 2001, as a Trooper Cadet assigned to mansion security.

• He graduated with the 88th Trooper Basic Training Class and was commissioned on October 16, 2002, assigned to Bellevue.

• On January 10, 2005, he transferred to Tacoma.

• Brian transferred back to Bellevue on February 10, 2006.

• He transferred to the Washington state Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) as an instructor on October 1, 2010.

• On October 1, 2013, he transferred back to the field operations bureau, assigned to Bellevue.

Brian was initially assigned to Oak Harbor and subsequently transferred back to Bellevue on October 1, 2014.

Compliments - Trooper John Mendenhall

The following letter was forwarded toD4 command by the Spokane County Sheriff's Office in regards to a traffic contact by Trooper John Mendenhall. 

I was pulled over just before 11PM last night. I was southbound on  highway 2 heading into Spokane. Unfortunately I did not take note of the officers name, or even confirm which police force he was with. (I was a little anxious at having been pulled over, and not focusing on detail.) I'm pretty sure he was a Sheriff's Deputy.

I apologize for not having more detail, and hope it won't require much effort to determine which officer pulled me over. I was extremely impressed with his demeanor, and would like that to be known to his superiors. He was exactly the right balance of stern, professional, friendly, and engaging. Throughout our encounter he treated me with respect and dignity.

Once he determined that I was not impaired he let me go with a warning. However, I can honestly say that I would have been impressed with him even if he had given me a ticket.

On reflection I realize that he was hyper aware of any driving behavior that might suggest impairment because it was late on a Friday night, and that his principle objective was to get drivers under the influence off of the street. As that objective could save my life, or the life of someone I care about, I very much appreciate him (and the rest of the force) being vigilant.

Sincerely,
John Allred

Compliments - Sgt. Ryan Tanner

The following e-mail was received from a mate in Australia complimenting the work of Sgt. Ryan Tanner.

Greetings Sergeant Ryan Tanner

Washington State Patrol

Arrived back in Australia from touring North America, last Sunday: with no further miss-hap I had a great time in USA, as the scenery in Western USA is "SPECTACULAR"! I have often told the story; of my first day in America, with the car tire blow-out and of the Washington State Patrol officers involvement,  occurring towards my vehicle, going beyond the call of duty, its amazed people. It remains as the best story, as my first impressions of the US.

 If you ever visit Australia: and decide to visit the State of Victoria - I probably wont have to change your car tire but I can offer you a room and meal and a tour of Central Gippsland, for you and your partner. Your kindness on that day, will remain with me.

John BAYLEY

Victoria, Australia

WSP wins patrol vehicle at IACP Conference

All that was missing was legendary game show announcer Don Pardo saying "WSP, come on down!"

Chief Batiste, Trooper Tyler Fryberger, his wife Rita and
Assistant Chief Ron Rupke in front of the agency's
newest patrol vehicle.

At last month's annual convention of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Washington State Patrol was the lucky winner of a brand new Ford Interceptor which is now being integrated into our agency's fleet.

WSP was already a winner, having been named the best state police agency of our size in IACP's Chief's Challenge competition. Category winners were invited to participate in a lottery to win the new patrol vehicle.

Just like on TV, the winning agencies each got a car key. Only one key fit, and it was in the hands of WSP Trooper of the Year Tyler Fryberger.

Every happy event has its challenges, and this was no different: WSP had to take immediate possession of the car, get it off the convention floor by the next day, and figure out how to get it home.

Tyler volunteered to make a cross-country run with the new vehicle. Did we mention the convention was in Florida?

Look for more good news in the future. As a category winner this year, WSP will compete against agencies of all size and variety in next year's Chief's Challenge, in hopes of being named the best traffic law enforcement agency of any size.

# # #

7 New Commercial Vehicle Officers Take to the Roadway

The Washington State Patrol welcomed seven new Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers (CVEOs) to their ranks on October 3rd, 2014 at the State Patrol Academy in Shelton.  Assistant Chief Michael DePalma swore in the new officers and presented them with their certificates of graduation at the ceremony.  

Making up the 7th CVEO Basic Training Class were Erik Bishop (Spokane), Tracy Cobile (Ridgefield), Ronald Falkner (Spokane), Christopher Mendoza (Bow Hill), James Ragsdale (Spokane), Robert Williams (Spokane), and David Zeller (Plymouth).  

The Commercial Vehicle Division is responsible for promoting the safe travel of commercial vehicles on state highways through education and enforcement.
 
Captain Michael Dahl addressed the new officers and stated “The fact that these officers committed a huge amount of time to learning and being trained in commercial safety, shows their commitment to saving lives out on our roadways.”

These new graduates will be a welcome addition to the roadway as they perform a wide variety of duties including weighing and enforcement at scale houses, school bus and commercial vehicle safety, tow truck and scrap metal inspections as well as mobile enforcement all across the state.


“Many lives have been saved by the work being performed by officers such as these and many more lives will be saved in the future due to your professionalism and commitment to commercial vehicle safety,”  said AC DePalma. 

During the ceremony, the Core Values Award was presented to CVEO 1 James Ragsdale.  The Core Values Award, in memory of Weight Control Officer Joseph B. Modlin, is presented to the commercial officer who best exemplified the core values during the entire training class.  Ragsdale was chosen anonymously by his peers for promoting values like honesty, integrity, professionalism and attention to detail.  Presenting the award, in Officer Modlin's memory, was his daughter, Mrs. Luanne Mason, and her husband Mr. Doug Mason.

Commercial vehicle officers from around the state are responsible for over 100,000 vehicle inspections, doing their part to keep the roadways of Washington safe.  We congratulate these new officers and know they will continue the proud tradition of the Washington State Patrol.

 # # #

Six Troopers Graduate Motors Basic

by Trooper Greg Birkeland, class graduate

On October 15, 2014 six Troopers became the newest members of the elite team of Motor Officers in the Washington State Patrol. Corey West, Robert Spencer, Mike Ledesma, Klayton Dresher, Kurt Borggard, and Greg Birkeland graduated the 160 hours Motor Basic Training class with recognition from Chief Batiste, Assistant Chief Rupke, and Captain Mark Brogan.

Five of the state's six newest motors troops were able to attend
a graduation ceremony on Oct. 15 with Chief Batiste and
Assistant Chief Ron Rupke.

The six graduating Troopers were members of an original 12 student class led by trainers Tony Brock and Deion Glover who began the Motors Basic class in July at the academy. Two other officers from outside agencies also completed the course, but the attrition rate demonstrates how rigorous and physically/mentally demanding this training program is. The pounds of ice used on sore, aching, and bruised body parts along with the countless bottles of Advil consumed, testify to this fact as well. If motorcycles could talk, I’m sure they’d have a few choice words for the graduates as I’m sure they’re generally accustomed to being ridden upright, not pile driven into the asphalt.

Chief Batiste reminded attendees that their safety is the agency’s highest priority.

“No violator is worth your safety,” Batiste told the graduates. “If you’re after someone and it’s starting to look too risky, let them go. There’ll be plenty more violators where that one came from.” 

The Chief also noted that completing Motors Basic is an accomplishment the graduates will remember for the rest of their lives. He went through the course in the mid-1980’s. 

“I still have my wings and whistle,” he said. 

Congratulations to these new Motor Officers on their accomplishment. Please be safe and ride with care.

WSPMF 2013/2014 Fiscal Year Update

Since 1982, the Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation (WSPMF) has provided $1,739,897 in financial assistance to Washington State Patrol employees and their families. This year marks the 23rd year of the scholarship program. The WSPMF provided 10 new scholarships and 16 renewable scholarships in the last fiscal year, totaling $26,000 to families of the Washington State Patrol.
In addition to scholarships, the WSPMF provided $100,234 in assistance to WSP families in need this year. While much of the assistance provided by the WSPMF is confidential in nature, the WSPMF is proud to disclose its involvement in the following activities:

The WSPMF provided financial assistance to build the Memorial for Trooper Sean O’Connell which is located at the Marysville District Office. On May 30, 2014, a dedication ceremony of the memorial to honor and remember Trooper Sean O’Connell was held at the Marysville District Office.

The WSPMF Dinner, held in Marysville on May 3, 2014, raised $36,930.56 for our Fallen Officers’ Spouse and Children College Fund. Family members of Troopers Sean O’Connell, James Saunders, Steven Frink, Ray Hawn, Cliff Hansell, Thomas Hendrickson, Frank Noble and Officer Joseph
Modlin attended the Memorial Dinner as our guests. Core Values award recipients, Trooper Aaron Norton and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer Drew Jones, read the names of our fallen officers and were our guests for the evening.

The WSPMF sent members of the O’Connell family and Trooper O’Connell’s detachment to the National Law Enforcement Week in Washington D.C. the week of May 12, 2013. Trooper Sean O’Connell’s name was formally dedicated at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C. during the Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13, 2014.. Approximately 20,000 people attend this event. A Memorial ceremony was held on May 15, 2014, where Vice -President Biden spoke and met with family members.

The WSPMF currently has 1,176 contributing members (984 active and 192 retired employees). To be a voting member of the WSPMF, you must contribute $5 per month or $2.50 a pay period. This minimal deduction goes a long way toward helping WSP families in times of need. If you would like to be a contributing member of the WSPMF, please request the form through Sharon Phillips at sharon@wspmf.org or (360) 597-4411.

The 33rd Annual Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation Dinner will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2015, at the Hilton Hotel in Vancouver, WA. Please join us to remember those officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Remember – all proceeds from the dinner are placed into our Fallen Officers’ Spouse and Children College Fund. Please contact the WSPMF website at the following link for Hotel reservations: http://www.wspmf.org/news.htm

Mission Statement: We, the Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation, are entrusted to preserve the memory of Washington State Patrol fallen officers and to provide assistance to active and retired Washington State Patrol employees and their families in times of need.

Dan Eikum, President
Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation

Compliments - Trooper Jeffrey Evers

The following compliment was received by District 4 in regard to a traffic stop by Trooper Jeffrey Evers, #471.



Dear WA state trooper personnel,

Trp. Jeffrey Evers #471

I wish I had taken the time to find out the name of an officer that pulled me over on Friday, September 26th. Frankly, my mind was a thousand miles away with a family crisis. I was pulled over just south of Loon Lake on highway 395.  It was around 7:30 am.

The officer stated I had not stopped at the stop sign when coming from 292. I thought I had, but clearly my mind was not focused on my driving as it should have been.

Not only was my vehicle registration expired, ( I thought I had until the end of September) but I couldn't find my insurance card. Thankfully, I had it in my email on my smartphone. I don't know why he was so kind, except perhaps he could tell that I was distressed, but having two brothers that are police officers, I knew that I could have gone to jail or not been able to drive. This would have been grave considering the circumstances that our family is under right now.

My vehicle is now registered and I know that I need to be "present" when I am driving a vehicle. I learned a valuable lesson, and I so appreciate being given a chance to correct myself without the dire consequences that were deserved.

Please find out who this officer is and tell him how much I appreciate his handling of the situation. You men in uniform don't get the praise you deserve. I didn't want this time to go unrecognized.

Sincerely,

Kelli Stellmon
Loon Lake, WA

From Captain Otis: Excellent work Jeff. You took the time to educate this individual and correct her driving behaviors while also leaving a very positive and professional opinion of the WSP. Good job!