Compliments: WSDOT Employee Commends Good Work of First Responders

The following email was sent from a Washington Department of Transportation employee who was present at the scene of a recent incident involving a WSDOT truck.

On Friday, May 15, WSDOT’s work zone traffic control crew was performing a left lane mobile operation to do survey work on manholes. Shortly after midnight, my TMA (truck-mounted-attenuator) driver, Kevin, radioed me and said a motorcyclist had hit his TMA. I called 911 while Kevin investigated, reporting that the motorcyclist was breathing but unresponsive. The 911 operator took this information and called in the medics and the State Patrol.

I arrived at the site, put out roadway flares to close the ramp, and called our Traffic Management Center. They let me know that the closure was already called in by James Lang. That’s when I saw the blue lights in my mirror. I’ve never been so relieved to see those blue lights. In the next ten minutes, there were 10 to 15 units from Lakewood Police, the State Patrol, and Lakewood Fire/Medic units.

I then checked on the rider, who was already being tended to by medics and being removed from the scene. Kevin was shaken, but thankfully appeared uninjured.

Any other time, the motorcyclist would have died that night. Just before he hit the TMA, he veered to the right. The change in trajectory meant he hit the TMA’s corner cushion and flew approximately 80 feet in the air, across two lanes of traffic and almost into a passing semi.  But he was very lucky. All the I-5 cars in the area stopped before reaching him, saving additional injuries and perhaps his life. The impact cushion did its job, and so did the survey crew, Kevin (who did not remove the rider’s helmet), James Lang when he called the TMC, and the extraordinarily quick response from Lakewood police, the Washington State Patrol, and the Lakewood fire and medics staff.  Our traffic management center called all the key WSDOT staff to let them know what was going on, including our safety office and work zone supervisor, Tony Kilmer.

The last I heard from WSP was that the driver is now awake and responsive. He had his chin stapled from a laceration and he may need surgery for a laceration on his hand. All in all he was one lucky guy!!

I wanted to thank everyone involved in that response that night.  Well done by all.

 

Roger Elliott
Lead Tech Traffic Control

Memorial Foundation Board of Directors Vacancies

The Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation Board of Directors is looking for applicants who are committed to the agency and to preserving the memory of our fallen officers, who enjoy volunteering a few hours a month, who can commit to attending monthly board meetings,  and who don’t mind working during the annual dinner to make it a success.

The WSPMF Board of Directors is comprised of 11 elected positions and two appointed (non-voting) positions. Five positions will be open for the WSPMF Board of Directors election in September. Vacancies include two commissioned employee positions and three civil service employee positions.

To be eligible to run for election, you must be a contributing member (minimum $5 per month or the yearly equivalent) for a period of one year prior to the election.

Board Member Responsibilities:

·         Attend monthly board meetings in Olympia

·         Fundraising and soliciting donations

·         Significant involvement and participation in Annual Memorial Foundation Dinner including event set up and volunteering during the dinner

·         Participate in other WSPMF sponsored events throughout the year

·         Serve a term from October 2015 to October 2017.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Board of Directors, please submit your name in writing by Aug. 20, 2015 with a brief narrative (less than 75 words) about why you would like to be a director. The narrative will appear on the ballot.

Please email your narrative to Sharon@wspmf.org or mail to: WSP Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 7544 Olympia, WA 98507. If you have any questions, please contact Sharon Phillips, Foundation General Manager, at (360) 597-4411.

32 Washington State Patrol Troopers Sworn In

At a ceremony held May 13, 2015, in the Capitol Rotunda, 32 Washington State Patrol troopers were sworn in by Chief Justice Barbara Madsen of the Washington Supreme Court, and were presented their commission cards by Governor Jay Inslee and Chief John R. Batiste, who welcomed them into an organization known and trusted by the citizens of Washington State.

After completing over 1,000 hours of training, the 104th Trooper Basic Training Class joins Washington’s premier law enforcement organization. The Washington State Patrol Academy produces approximately three cadet classes each biennium, which accounts for about 100 to 120 new troopers. Historically, only about four to six percent of the total number of applicants makes the grade to become WSP troopers.

“The 32 cadets graduating today endured a rigorous application process, extensive background investigation, and received the best possible 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.”

This tradition began 93 years ago on June 21, 1921, when six brave men kick-started their Indian 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 104th Trooper Basic Training Class at the Capitol Rotunda, signaled by the stream of shiny white SUV patrol vehicles parked in the lanes leading up to the Capitol steps.

During the ceremony, the Core Values Award was presented to Trooper James F. Maguire. This award is presented to the trooper cadet who most typifies the Training Division Core Values which include: strong leadership, effective partnerships, professional excellence, acting with integrity and accountability, respecting and protecting individual rights and earning the trust and confidence of the public. 

Trooper Maguire was selected by an anonymous vote of his classmates. The award is sponsored by the Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation in honor of the most recent State Patrol employee to give his life in service to the citizens of Washington.

Trooper Sean M. O’Connell, Jr. was killed in the line of duty on May 31, 2013, and this award was presented in his honor. Mrs. Alissa O’Connell, Trooper O’Connell’s wife, presented the award to Trooper Maguire.

In addition to this award, Chief Batiste presented six trooper cadets with awards at a ceremony held on May 12, 2015, during an open house at the WSP Academy.

These awards included:

Top Driving Award- Trooper Joshua L. Bellesen

 

This award recognizes the highest level of proficiency with respect to driving skills and techniques, decision-making and mind-set, and steady and constant improvement through each phase of drivers training.

Top Firearms Award- Trooper Mason P. Acheson

This award recognizes the highest level of proficiency with all weapon systems, marksmanship scores and skills, and demonstration of sound judgment during practical encounter scenarios.

Top Fitness Award- Trooper Anthony E. Mastrolia

This award recognizes the highest level of drive and tenacity in physical fitness testing and training. The recipient of this award consistently performed at the top of the Trooper Basic Training Class during physical training and was also the top performing cadet in control tactics and defensive tactics training.
    
Top Academic Award- Trooper Annette C. Novey

This award recognizes the outstanding efforts of the cadet who attains the highest grade point average compiled from over 30 tests and quizzes during training. The class average GPA for the 104thTrooper Basic Training Class was 89%; Trooper Novey’s GPA was an impressive 93%.

Top Collision Investigation Award- Trooper Tyler M. Roy

 

This award recognizes the highest level of proficiency regarding collision investigation, including mathematical computation, scene investigation, information and evidence gathering, report writing, and teamwork.

Top Overall Cadet Award- Trooper Cody M. Pierce

This award recognizes the trooper cadet who demonstrated great courage to overcome obstacles, unwavering dedication to stay focused on reaching their goals, and their ability to give 100% in every aspect of their training. Trooper Pierce demonstrated the necessary skills, abilities, and judgment to be an excellent trooper, and made extra efforts to continuously make improvements.

Graduating Troopers

	Name	Number	Final Assignment	Home Town
1	Acheson, Mason P.	307	District 2 Bellevue	Addy, WA
2	Bellesen, Joshua L.	380	District 8, Shelton	Olympia, WA
3	Borgman, Benjamin R.	429	District 6  Moses Lake	Ronald, WA
4	Chicks, Bradley D.	444	District 8  Naselle	Vancouver, WA
5	Elliott, Jared L.	466	District 1 Tacoma	Lacey, WA
6	Gaddis, Michael K.	477	District 8 Bremerton	Gig Harbor, WA
7	House, Timothy A.	515	District 6 Okanogan	Kettle Falls, WA
8	Howland, Tyler G.	548	District 2 Bellevue	Puyallup, WA
9	Jaramillo, Brianna D.	597	District 3 Grandview	Yakima, WA
10	Kinkade, Andrew B.	588	District 7 Oak Harbor	South Prairie, WA
11	Lauer, Austin D.	622	District 2 Bellevue	Camas, WA
12	Lee, Arthur	647	District 2 Bellevue	Bellevue, WA
13	Litovchenko, Victor A.	655	District 7 Burlington	Ferndale, WA
14	Maguire, James F.	694	District 2 Bellevue	Spokane, WA
15	Mason, Matthew A.	737	District 2 Bellevue	Mercer Island, WA
16	Mastrolia, Anthony E.	753	District 4 Ritzville	Spokane Valley, WA
17	Morphy, Steven L.	757	District 2 Bellevue	Lacey, WA
18	Nawrocki, Nessa N.	778	District 8 Bremerton	Bremerton, WA
19	Niemann, Matthew J.	596	District 8 Shelton	Lacey, WA
20	Novey, Annette C.	795	District 2 Bellevue	Bonney Lake, WA
21	Pierce, Cody M.	835	District 8 Shelton	Spokane, WA
22	Preston, Tyler R.	842	District 8 Naselle	Battle Ground, WA
23	Reed-Simpson, Christopher J.	842	District 7 Monroe	Everett, WA
24	Reynolds, Mallory K.	882	District 2 Bellevue	Federal Way, WA
25	Robertson, Andrew J.	887	District 7 Monroe	Monroe, WA
26	Roy, Tyler M.	894	District 2 Bellevue	North Bend, WA
27	Schulte, Christopher J.	917	District 2 Bellevue	Graham, WA
28	Schureman, Nicholas F.	948	District 2 Burlington	Port Orchard, WA
29	Schuster, Gavin N.	350	District 7 Burlington	Seabeck, WA
30	Snow, James T.	953	District 8 Shelton	Olympia, WA
31	Tharp, Zachary A.	958	District 1 Tacoma	Olympia, WA
32	Wilkins, Jacob D.	978	District 2 Bellevue	Orting, WA

WSP Honors Fallen Employees, Celebrates Good Work Done in Their Names

Governor Jay Inslee joined Chief John R. Batiste May 6, 2015, at the Washington State Patrol Training Academy in Shelton for a ceremony in remembrance of WSP employees who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the citizens of Washington.


Following the memorial, the 2015 WSP Awards Ceremony was held, honoring employees from all corners of the agency who served with distinction in 2014.


Trooper Kelli Howes rang the bell for each of the 28 fallen

WSP officers, May 6, 2015, at the WSP Training Academy.

The agency purposely holds the memorial and awards ceremonies on the same day.
 
"We want to remember our fallen for how they lived, not for how they died," said Chief Batiste. "It's fitting that we should honor those lost in service to the citizens of Washington State, and then honor those who picked up the banner and continued the important work they were doing."

Since the creation of the Washington State Patrol in 1921, twenty-eight individuals have lost their lives in the line of duty. The names and brief biographies of the 28 fallen WSP officers can be found here.



WSP Chaplain Mike Neil says a prayer for the 28 fallen

officers and their friends and family at the memorial

ceremony May 6, 2015.

Wednesday's Memorial Ceremony consisted of a 21-gun salute and the name of each fallen officer called out as the flag was lowered to half-staff. Each time a name was called a bell was sounded in their honor. This was followed by the sound of Taps echoing throughout the academy grounds.

An eternal flame burns in front of the memorial erected at the academy engraved with the names of these heroes.
 

"We gather on this day to let the families of our fallen know that we will never forget their sacrifice," said Batiste. "But we also honor our fallen every single day by delivering Service with Humility in a way that we hope would make them proud."

At the agency Awards Ceremony, the following employees were recognized for distinguished conduct during calendar year 2014:

Chief John Batiste and Governor Jay Inslee join the 2014 WSP

award winners for a group photo before the ceremony May 6,

2015, Shelton, Wash.  

 

 

2014 Chief Will Bachofner Award - Trooper of the Year
Trooper Michael B. Johnson	District 5
2014 District Troopers of the Year
Trooper James A. Meldrum	District 1
Trooper Jason D. Kraus	District 2
Trooper Jody M. Metz	District 3
Trooper Joseph B. Pass	District 4
Trooper Joel C. Anderson	District 6
Trooper Brandon S. Hyatt	District 7
Trooper Keith P. Nestor	District 8
2014 Certified Technical Specialist of the Year
Trooper Ryan A. Sauve	District 3
2014 District Certified Technical Specialists of the Year
Trooper Scott A. Kirkeby	District 1
Trooper Lewis R. Stevens	District 4
Trooper Michael S. Huhta	District 5
Trooper Darren W. Wilkes	District 6
Trooper Heather A. Axtman	District 7
Trooper Michael L. Welander	District 8
2014 Looking Beyond the Traffic Stop Award
Trooper Joshua J. Merritt	District 8
2014 District Looking Beyond the Traffic Stop Awards
Trooper Joshua T. Griffith	District 2
Trooper Donald A. Field	District 4
Trooper Joshua A. Winborne	District 5
2014 Commercial Vehicle Division Trooper of the Year
Trooper Andrew Pelleberg	Spokane
2014 CVEO/CVO of the Year
CVEO 1 Patrick J. Sagdahl	Tacoma
2014 Port of Entry CVEO/CVO of the Year
CVEO 1 Thomas Byrnes	Ridgefield POE
2014 Detective of the Year
Detective John W. Garden	Criminal Investigation Division
2014 VIN Officer of the Year
Officer Donna S. LaMarca	Criminal Investigation Division
2014 Communications Officer of the Year:
CO 1 Tyler N. Oliver	District 4
2014 District Communications Officers of the Year
CO 2 Stacie L. Huibregtse	District 1
CO 2 David A. Ingram	District 2
CO 2 Nicole M. Downey	District 3
CO 2 Thomas R. Adams	District 5
CO 2 Lori H. Smith	District 6
CO 1 Kate M. Whisler	District 7
CO 2 Kara D. Nichols	District 8
2014 Excellence in Safety Award
Trooper William A. Finn	District 5
2014 Chief's Volunteer Service Award
Dr. Marc Reiswig	Investigative Services Bureau
2014 Civil Service Employees of the Year
Ms. Violeta Navarro	Investigative Services Bureau
Mr. Weldon W. Wilson	Government and Media Relations
2014 Bureau Civil Service Employees of the Year
Mr. Gary D. Armstrong	Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau
Ms. Karen L. Cline	Budget and Fiscal Services
Ms. Kaelyn N. Eisenmann	Technical Services Bureau
DSFM Melissa R. Gannie	Fire Protection Bureau
Ms. Jamie L. Hawkins	Field Operations Bureau
Ms. Sarah Holmes	Forensic Laboratory Services Bureau

Promotion: Charles E. Stewart

Charles E. Stewart was promoted to RCW Sergeant effective Sept. 1, 2014. 

He was born in Olympia, Wash. and graduated from Timberline High School in Lacey. Charles earned his Associate in Arts degree from Pierce College in June of 1995. In July of 1997, he went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Washington State University.

He began his career with the Washington State Patrol on Jan. 16, 1998, as a Trooper Cadet assigned to the Academy for training.

 

On March 23, 1998, he transferred to the Ridgefield Port of Entry. 

 

Charles graduated with the 83rd Trooper Basic Training Class and was commissioned on July 1, 1999, assigned to Hoquiam.

 

Upon his promotion to RCW Sergeant Charles was assigned to Seattle and on April 1, 2015, he transferred back to Hoquiam. 

 

Charles took the time to thank the following people during his promotion ceremony held on May 5, 2015:

·        His parents, Chuck and Cindy for being good role models.

·        Cohen and Max for showing him what a great leader can do.

·        Anna and Kassidy for teaching him problems solving skills.

·        Lourdes for her love and support.

·        His sister Courtney for answering all his dumb questions. 

 

 
 
 

Promotion: Shane Rogers

Shane Rogers was promoted to RCW Sergeant effective Aug. 16, 2014.

He was born in Keflavic, Iceland and graduated from Oak Harbor High School in Washington. Shane served honorably for five years in the United States Air Force.

He began his career with the WSP on Jan. 16, 2001, as a Trooper Cadet assigned to the Commercial Vehicle Division.

Shane graduated with the 87^th Trooper Basic Training Class and was commissioned on March 15, 2002, assigned to the Marysville South Freeway.

On Nov. 1, 2006, he transferred to Bellingham.

Shane was selected as the District 7 Trooper of the Year for 2012 and 2013.
 

Shane is currently assigned to Oak Harbor.

During his promotion ceremony Shane took the time to thank his wife, Teri, and his four children; Rielley, Hunter, Ethan and Lexi for their love and support. He also thanked his supervisors for their leadership and guidance, and his detachment members for their friendship and making coming to work so much fun.