July 7, 2020
Wenatchee – Washington State Patrol’s Ellensburg Detachment 7 was selected as the District 6 “Detachment of the Year.” Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a brief ceremony at the Ellensburg Detachment office was delayed until last month.
Detachment 7 worked diligently all year, focusing on violations that contribute to serious injury and fatality collisions among all drivers. Detachment 7 led the district in DUI arrests, speed infractions, restraint (seat belt/car seat) infractions, distracted driving infractions, aggressive driver contacts, and aggressive driver arrests. They led the district in stolen vehicles recovered, collisions investigated, collision enforcement, and violators contacted. The team worked together to coordinate emphases around select national dates, holidays, Gorge Concert events, and traffic on various weekends and special events through the busiest months (especially on Snoqualmie Pass). They targeted specific areas with high traffic volumes.
The Detachment was led by (now retired) Sergeant Bart Olson. The detachment made a significant difference to the citizens of Kittitas County. Detachment 7 continues to partner with the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office, Ellensburg Police Department, Cle Elum Police Department, Kittitas Police Department, and the Central Washington University Police Department to conduct joint traffic safety emphases to focus on DUI, speed, distracted driving and occupant restraint enforcement.
Detachment 7 consistently provides superior quality work. Detachment members serve in a variety of specialties to include: Certified Technical (collision) Specialist, Field Training Officer, Public Information Officer, Recruiter, Community Outreach Coordinator, Executive Protection Unit, Certified Child Restraint Technician and Aggressive Driving Apprehension Team members.
“I am very proud of Detachment 7 members for their selection as District 6, Detachment of the year for 2019. Their coordinated team efforts certainly made our roads safer throughout Kittitas County and the state. They have represented the Washington State Patrol and District 6 very well by saving lives. I have no doubt they will continue to do a great job, through community education and enforcement efforts, like they have done for the past several years. I am very thankful to work with such a great group of people. “ – Sergeant Bart Olson
Detachment Members:
Sergeant Bart Olson #106 (Retired)
Trooper Michael Hauser #798
Trooper Christine White #905
Trooper John Bryant #445
Trooper James Kukes #399
Trooper Thomas Megargle #660
Trooper Andrew Wilson #856
Trooper Logan Swift #581
Trooper Paul Grady #685
Trooper Joshua Lohse #601
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