Close

WSP’s 17th CVEO Basic Class graduates eight officers

WSP Media Release Cover

October 20, 2022

Olympia, Wash. – The Washington State Patrol (WSP) graduated eight new Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers (CVEO) today who will report for duty throughout the state promoting the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles within the communities they serve.

The newly graduated CVEOs completed 24 weeks of training: 14 weeks of classroom at the WSP Academy in Shelton and 10 weeks in the field alongside a field training officer. This time afforded each new officer the knowledge, skills, and hands-on learning opportunities needed to become well versed in the laws and regulations safeguarding commercial motor vehicle operation in Washington State.

Topics of study included the laws and regulations for commercial motor vehicle weight, size, and equipment safety; hazardous materials; driver and vehicle licensing; permitting requirements and more. The officers also completed the academy’s emergency vehicle operator course, firearms certification, and defensive tactics courses.

The new graduates of the 17th CVEO Basic Class include:

– Officer Laura E. Carlson, assigned to Bow Hill Port of Entry;
– Officer Aaron M. Cliffton, assigned to School Bus – West Region;
– Officer Yevgeniy A. Hawkinson, assigned to School Bus – North Region;
– Officer Erick S. Juma, assigned to School Bus – North Region;
– Officer Donald J. Kean, assigned to Ridgefield Port of Entry;
– Officer Levi M. Krout, assigned to Ridgefield Port of Entry;
– Officer Bree S. Maher, assigned to Ridgefield Port of Entry;
– Officer Christopher D. Sebastian, assigned to Ridgefield Port of Entry.

Members of the 17th CVEO Basic Class earned additional recognitions for a number of categories, including:

Firearms: Officer Christopher D. Sebastian
Defensive Tactics: Officer Christopher D. Sebastian
Academics: Officer Aaron M. Cliffton
Driving Award: Officer Laura E. Carlson
2022 Core Values Award: Officer Aaron M. Cliffton

CVEOs are required to pass through a written exam, oral board interview, polygraph and background check, as well as a psychological and medical exam prior to being hired by the WSP. The new hires then participate in the three-phased program, including a pre-academy observation period, academy training, and field training phase.

Those interested in a career as a WSP CVEO can find out more about the career and hiring process by visiting here.

###