June 30, 2021
Shelton, WA – “Never defeated, 100 completed,” the 114th Trooper Basic Training Class (TBTC) could be heard chanting at their graduation ceremony held at the Washington State Patrol (WSP) Academy this afternoon.
The 114th TBTC had the honor of completing their training during the WSP’s Centennial Year Celebration. After completing over 1,400 hours of rigorous training, they were presented their commission cards by Chief John R. Batiste who welcomed them and their families to one of the top rated police organizations in the nation. Less than six percent of those who apply get the honor of calling themselves Washington State Troopers. Today, Justice Steven Gonzales swore in 28 men and women making them the newest troopers to
join the WSP.
“The 28 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. “Today, they will join the ranks of Washington’s finest, as troopers of the Washington State Patrol.”
During the ceremony several cadets received awards in recognition of their dedication to specific skills including collision investigation and physical fitness. In addition, the Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation sponsors the Core Values Award. The Core Values Award honors the most recent WSP employee to give their life in the service to the citizens of the state of Washington. Trooper Justin R. Schaffer died in the line of duty on March 24, 2020. This award was presented today in Trooper Schaffer’s honor by his wife,
Sandra Schaffer. The Core Values Award is determined by an anonymous vote of the cadet’s classmates and presented to the trooper cadet who most exemplifies the training division core values. These values 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. This year’s Core Values Award was presented to Trooper Travis R. Hullinger.
Academy Captain Mark R. Tegard presented five other outstanding troopers with awards. These awards included:
Top Academic Award
Presented to Trooper Nicolo F. Kehrwald; this award recognizes the outstanding efforts of the cadet who attains the highest grade point average compiled over 30 exams and quizzes.
Top Driving Award
Presented to Trooper Christopher R. Griggs; 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 Timothy Whales; this award recognizes the highest level of proficiency with all weapon systems, marksmanship scores and skills, and demonstration of sound judgement during practical encounter scenarios.
Top Physical Fitness Award
Presented to Trooper Andrew L. P. Simmonds; 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.
Top Control Tactics Award
Presented to Trooper Travis R. Hullinger; 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.
Top Collision Investigation Award
Presented to Trooper Christopher S. Hansen; 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 Communications Award
Presented to Trooper Nicolo F Kehrwald; this award recognizes the highest level of efficiency of radio communications knowledge, based upon testing, and practical exercises.
Top Overall Cadet Award
Presented to Trooper Travis R. Hullinger; this award recognizes the trooper cadet who demonstrated great courage to overcome obstacles, unwavering dedication to stay focus in reaching their goals and their ability to give 100% in every aspect of their training. Trooper Hullinger demonstrated the necessary skills, abilities and judgement to be an excellent trooper and he made extra efforts to make continuous improvements.
Full list of 114th TBTC attached. For more information, visit www.wsp.wa.gov
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