The Washington State Patrol (WSP) announced this week that it has added 57 new troopers to its ranks during the 120th Trooper Basic Training (TBTC) and 3rd/4th Trooper Lateral Training Class graduation ceremony held at the state Capitol Rotunda.
For the 120th TBTC, the graduation marks the completion of more than 1,400 hours of training, including classroom and practical exercises at the WSP Academy in Shelton. The training culminated with a coaching trip where the cadets worked the roads alongside field training officers.
The combined efforts of the 120th TBTC class resulted in 10,648 driver contacts, 3,159 calls for service, the removal of 472 impaired drivers from roadways, and 960 collision investigations during their two-month long coaching trip, according to the news release.
Washington State Supreme Court Justice Brett Buckley swore in the new troopers as the rotunda erupted with applause and cheers from family, friends and colleagues.
Chief John R. Batiste, a member of the 55th Trooper Basic Training Class, thanked the new troopers and their families for their dedication to being a part of the future of the agency.
“You’ve earned it,” Chief John Batiste said to the graduates during Wednesday’s ceremony. “The sweat and tears that you put in at the academy itself and on your field training assignment has prepared you to go out and serve with humility the people of this great state.”
Batiste, alongside Gov. Bob Ferguson, congratulated each graduate, providing them with their commission cards signifying they are now officially commissioned WSP troopers.
“I know you have choices, but you chose us, and for that we are indebted to you,” Batiste said.
WSP Academy Captain Robert W. Sharpe recognized several members of the class for excelling in aspects of specific skills and abilities, including:
This award recognizes the outstanding efforts of the cadet who attains the highest-grade point average compiling more than 30 exams and quizzes. The award was officially renamed in honor of WSP fallen Trooper Christopher Gadd, who also received the award as a member of the 116th TBTC.
This award recognizes the highest level of proficiency with respect to driving skills, techniques, decision-making, mindset and the steady and constant improvement through each phase of drive training.
This award recognizes the highest level of proficiency with all weapons systems, marksmanship scores, skills and demonstration of sound judgement during practical encounter scenarios.
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 TBTC during physical training. The award is named in honor of Trooper Kristopher Sperry, who tragically died off duty during a house fire in 2010. Trooper Sperry received the Physical Fitness Award as a member of the 97th TBTC.
This award recognizes the highest level of proficiency in control tactics techniques, to include self-defense, handcuffing, searching and the use of force thought process.
This award recognizes the highest level of proficiency regarding collision investigation, including mathematical computation, scene investigation, evidence gathering, report writing and teamwork.
This award recognizes the highest level of efficiency of radio communications knowledge, based upon testing and practical exercises.
This award recognizes the trooper cadet who demonstrated great courage to overcome obstacles, unwavering dedication to stay focused in reaching their goals and their ability to give 100 percent in every aspect of their training. Trooper Wallace demonstrated the necessary skills, abilities and judgement to be an excellent trooper, and made the efforts to make continuous improvements.
The Core Values Award is determined by the anonymous vote of the members of the 120th TBTC, who choose the classmate they feel best exemplified the training division’s core values of 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 Core Values Award is sponsored by the WSP Memorial Foundation, and presented in honor of the WSP troopers who gave their lives in the line of duty. This week’s award was given in honor of Trooper Christopher Gadd, who died in the line of duty on March 2, 2024. Captain Neil Weaver presented the award to Trooper Jacob Newton.
