September 30, 2020 –
SHELTON, WA – At a ceremony held at the Training Division this afternoon, 49 Washington State Patrol (WSP) troopers were sworn in by Justice Susan Owens of the Washington State Supreme Court. They were presented their commission cards by Assistant Chief Jeff R. Sass, who welcomed them into an organization known and trusted by the citizens of Washington State.
After completing over 1,000 hours of training, these men and women will join 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 49 cadets graduating today endured a rigorous application process, extensive background investigation, and received the best training, unmatched anywhere else in the nation. Today, they will join the ranks of Washington’s finest, as troopers of the Washington State Patrol, a tradition that began 99 years ago on June 21, 1921, when sixteen brave men kick-started their Indian motorcycles, strapped on an armband and started a proud tradition known today as the Washington State Patrol,” said Chief John Batiste.
During the ceremony, the Core Values Award was presented to Trooper Samuel T. Harshberger. This award is presented to the trooper cadet who most typifies the Training Division Core Values which includes 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 the cadet’s classmates, and is sponsored by the Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation. This award honors the most recent State Patrol employee to give their life in service to the citizens of the state of Washington. Trooper Justin R. Schaffer died in the line of duty on March 24, 2020. The award was presented today in Trooper Schaffer’s honor by his wife, Sandra Schaffer. In addition to this award, Captain Mark R. Tegard presented five trooper cadets with awards.
These awards included:
Top Academic Award
Presented to Trooper Carol Ann E. Fuchs; this award recognizes the outstanding efforts of the cadet who attains the highest grade point average compiled over 30 exams and quizzes. The class average GPA for the 113th Trooper Basic Training Class was 91%; Trooper Fuchs’ GPA was an impressive 95%.
Top Driving Award
Presented to Trooper Jaremy N. Martin; 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 Jace M. Steele; 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 Patrick R. Homa; 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 Cody L. Robinson; this award recognizes the highest level of proficiency in control tactics techniques, to include self-defense, handcuffing, searching, and use of force thought process.
Top Collision Investigation Award
Presented to Trooper Jace M. Steele; 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
Presented to Trooper Patrick R. Homa; 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 Homa demonstrated the necessary skills, abilities, and judgment to be an excellent trooper, and he made extra efforts to make continuous improvements.
Full list of the 113th TBTC attached. For more information, visit www.wsp.wa.gov.
113th Trooper Basic Training Class
1
NAME: Adams, Jessica A.
NUMBER: 760
ASSIGNMENT: Okanogan
HOME TOWN: Malott
2
NAME: Ahn, Hyungjun
NUMBER: 424
ASSIGNMENT: Tacoma
HOMETOWN: Yelm
3
NAME: Arceo, Montana C.
NUMBER: 629
ASSIGNMENT: Marysville
HOMETOWN: Walla Walla
4
NAME: Bonnell, Rebecca A.
NUMBER: 1299
ASSIGNMENT: Bellevue
HOMETOWN: Olympia
5
NAME: Boyd, Parker C.
NUMBER: 1148
ASSIGNMENT: Bellevue
HOMETOWN: Normandy Park
6
NAME: Buddin, Dustin D.
NUMBER: 962
ASSIGNMENT: Monroe
HOMETOWN: Arlington
7
NAME: Candelaria, Silverio S.
NUMBER: 324
ASSIGNMENT: Goldendale
HOMETOWN: Vancouver
8
NAME: Carrillo-Varela, Magaly
NUMBER: 1099
ASSIGNMENT: Yakima
HOMETOWN: Yakima
9
NAME: Childs, Regan A.
NUMBER: 347
ASSIGNMENT: Marysville
HOMETOWN: Deer Park
10
NAME: Clark, Benjamin M.
NUMBER: 320
ASSIGNMENT: Olympia
HOMETOWN:Tumwater
11
NAME: Corner, Christopher L.
NUMBER: 339
ASSIGNMENT: Tacoma
HOMETOWN: Vancouver
12
NAME: Donwen, Nathan L.
NUMBER:950
ASSIGNMENT: Bellevue
HOMETOWN: Puyallup
13
NAME: Erwin, KeShawn J.
NUMBER: 1123
ASSIGNMENT: Bellevue
HOMETOWN: Tacoma
14
NAME:Flaig, Kyle E.
NUMBER: 973
ASSIGNMENT: Chehalis
HOMETOWN: Centralia
15
NAME: Fletcher, Jacob W.
NUMBER:1226
ASSIGNMENT: Bellingham
HOMETOWN:Sumas
16
NAME: Fuchs, Carol Ann E.
NUMBER: 1101
ASSIGNMENT: Bellevue
HOMETOWN: Tacoma
17
NAME: Grasseth, Skylor J.
NUMBER: 556
ASSIGNMENT: Monroe
HOMETOWN: Cathlamet
18
NAME: Harding, Kelsey M.
NUMBER: 718
ASSIGNMENT: Marysville
HOMETOWN: Arlington
19
NAME: Harshberger, Samuel T.
NUMBER: 1083
ASSIGNMENT: Monroe
HOMETOWN: Airway Heights
20
NAME: Hicks, Lauren K.
NUMBER: 884
ASSIGNMENT: Yakima
HOMETOWN: Selah
21
NAME: Homa, Patrick R.
NUMBER: 1266
ASSIGNMENT: Bellevue
HOMETOWN: Auburn
22
NAME: Hudson, Caleb M.
NUMBER: 544
ASSIGNMENT: Monroe
HOMETOWN: St. John
23
NAME: Jewell, Jeb S.
NUMBER: 1234
ASSIGNMENT: Shelton
HOMETOWN: Chehalis
24
NAME: Kroner, Mitchel J.
NUMBER: 918
ASSIGNMENT: Grandview
HOMETOWN: Pasco
25
NAME: MacKinnon, Cameron A.
NUMBER: 1257
ASSIGNMENT: Monroe
HOMETOWN: Lynden
26
NAME: Martin, Jaremy N.
NUMBER: 1198
ASSIGNMENT: Burlington
HOMETOWN: Lynden
27
NAME: McClelland, Shane R.
NUMBER: 833
ASSIGNMENT: Pt. Townsend
HOMETOWN: Bremerton
28
NAME: Miller, Cody L.
NUMBER: 807
ASSIGNMENT: Tacoma
HOMETOWN: Roy
29
NAME: Miller, Shelby N.
NUMBER: 1059
ASSIGNMENT: Tacoma
HOMETOWN: Dupont
30
NAME: Morgan, Brittan H.
NUMBER: 919
ASSIGNMENT: Tacoma
HOMETOWN: Lacey
31
NAME: Murray, Jonathon K.
NUMBER: 530
ASSIGNMENT: Olympia
HOMETOWN: Olympia
32
NAME: Olson, Jacob W.
NUMBER: 861
ASSIGNMENT: Marysville
HOMETOWN: Stanwood
33
NAME: Osmer, Cameron M.
NUMBER: 1151
ASSIGNMENT: Bellevue
HOMETOWN: Issaquah
34
NAME: Perkins, Bryan R.
NUMBER: 1010
ASSIGNMENT: Bellevue
HOMETOWN: Lynnwood
35
NAME: Raber, Jared J.
NUMBER: 1292
ASSIGNMENT: Okanogan
HOMETOWN: East Wenatchee
36
NAME: Radillo Diaz, Vidal
NUMBER: 432
ASSIGNMENT: Grandview
HOMETOWN: Yakima
37
NAME: Robinson, Cody L.
NUMBER: 867
ASSIGNMENT: Monroe
HOMETOWN: Montesano
38
NAME: Rohrbaugh, Eion R.
NUMBER: 1156
ASSIGNMENT: Monroe
HOMETOWN: Spokane
39
NAME: Schick, Carter L.
NUMBER: 1077
ASSIGNMENT: Olympia
HOMETOWN: Olympia
40
NAME: Schoenborn, David L.
NUMBER: 510
ASSIGNMENT: Goldendale
HOMETOWN: Winlock
41
NAME: Schultz, Clementine S.
NUMBER: 619
ASSIGNMENT: Marysville
HOMETOWN: Salkum
42
NAME: Silva, Cruz M.
NUMBER: 1250
ASSIGNMENT: Bellevue
HOMETOWN: Puyallup
43
NAME: Steele, Jace M.
NUMBER: 353
ASSIGNMENT: Marysville
HOMETOWN: Monroe
44
NAME: Sullivan, Liam C.
NUMBER: 1254
ASSIGNMENT: Burlington
HOMETOWN: Mt. Vernon
45
NAME: Taylor, Aspen M.
NUMBER: 797
ASSIGNMENT: Tacoma
HOMETOWN: Tacoma
46
NAME: Weatherwax, Katherine M.
NUMBER: 648
ASSIGNMENT: Pt. Townsend
HOMETOWN: Bremerton
47
NAME: Weigel, Lars D.
NUMBER: 447
ASSIGNMENT: Okanogan
HOMETOWN: Omak
48
NAME: York, Jamon L.
NUMBER: 491
ASSIGMENT: Tacoma
HOMETOWN: Olympia
49
NAME: Young, Mark
NUMBER: 740
ASSIGNMENT: Tacoma
HOMETOWN: Tumwater
###