The Washington State Patrol (WSP) added 30 newly commissioned troopers to its ranks during the 119th Trooper Basic Training graduation ceremony held at the state Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday, Oct. 30.
The graduation marks the completion of more than 1,400 hours of training, including classroom and practical exercises at the WSP Academy in Shelton, WSP said in a news release. The training culminated with a coaching trip where the cadets worked the roads alongside field training officers.
The combined efforts of the 119th Trooper Basic Training class resulted in 6,899 driver contacts, 2,208 calls for service, the removal of 348 impaired drivers from state roadways and 731 collision investigations during the two-month long coaching trip, according to the news release.
Washington State Supreme Court Justice Steven C. González swore in the new troopers as the rotunda erupted with applause and cheers from family, friends and colleagues, WSP said in the news release.
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.