41 State Troopers Begin Duty In Washington

OLYMPIA, WA — Forty-one Washington State Patrol troopers were sworn in during a ceremony at the Capitol this week. The new troopers will begin duty in various districts across the state.

The men and women in the recently graduated 111th class reportedly completed more than 1,000 hours of training, which will be used to continue the 98-year-old WSP tradition. Between 100 and 120 new troopers are sworn in from three graduating classes each biennium.

According to WSP Cpt. Monica Alexander, between 4 and 6 percent of applicants actually succeed in joining the WSP ranks.

"The 41 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 during the swearing-in event June 26. "Today, they will join the ranks of Washington’s finest, as troopers of the Washington State Patrol."

A variety of awards were given to the top performers from the 111th class. The awards were distributed as follows, according to Alexander:

During the ceremony, the Core Values Award was presented to Trooper Jonathan D. Barnes. 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.

The recipient of this award was determined by an anonymous vote of his classmates, and is sponsored by the Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation.

This award honors the most recent State Patrol employee to give his life in service to the citizens of the state of Washington. Trooper Brent L. Hanger died in the line of duty on August 6, 2015. The award was presented in Trooper Hanger’s honor by his wife, Lisa Hanger.

In addition to this award, Chief Batiste presented seven trooper cadets with awards at a ceremony held on June 25, 2019, during an open house at the WSP Academy.

These awards included:

Top Driving Award

Presented to Trooper Dylan M. Feik; 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

Presented to Trooper Tristin T. J. Parton; 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 Physical Fitness

Presented to Trooper Benjamin J. Crabtree; 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

Top Control Tactics Award

Presented to Trooper Lane W. Traver; This award recognizes the highest level of proficiency in control tactics techniques, to include self-defense, handcuffing, searching and use of force thought processes.

Top Collision Investigation Award

Presented to Trooper Benjamin J. Crabtree; 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 Academic Award

Presented to Trooper Daniel A. Buckley; 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 111th Trooper Basic Training Class was 90%; Trooper Buckley’s GPA was an impressive 95%.

Top Overall Cadet Award

Presented to Trooper Jason P. Aebischer; 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 Aebischer demonstrated the necessary skills, abilities, and judgment to be an excellent trooper, and he made extra efforts to make continuous improvements.

The following roster lists all 41 graduates: