June 22, 2023
OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Patrol (WSP) graduated 10 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 within 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.
“You have embarked on a very special job – one that helps save lives,” said Chief John R. Batiste during the graduation ceremony. “We have been very busy as an organization over the course of this year already. Our fatality recap for the state for last year is not moving in the right direction.
“These folks will be instrumental in helping us curb that trend in the right direct, and for that, I am indebted.”
The new graduates of the 18th CVEO Basic Class include:
• Officer Kathleen Agnes P. Gracey, assigned to School Bus North (Marysville);
• Officer Albert Gutierrez, assigned to Moses Lake;
• Officer Marshall F. O’Connor, assigned to Shelton;
• Officer Asa E. Roberson, assigned to Ridgefield Port of Entry;• Officer Heena Singh, assigned to Bellevue;
• Officer Christopher D. Smith, assigned to School Bus East (Kennewick);
• Officer Anthony (Chai) Spelchake, assigned to Bow Hill Port of Entry;
• Officer Austin G. Stanton, assigned to Plymouth Port of Entry;
• Officer Andrew Van Puymbrouck, assigned to School Bus West (Tumwater);
• Officer Lucas Q. Wright, assigned to School Bus West (Vancouver):
Members of the 18th CVEO Basic Class earned additional recognitions for several categories, including:
Firearms: Officer Kathleen Agnes P. Gracey
Defensive Tactics: Officer Lucas Q. Wright
Academics: Officer Anthony (Chai) Spelchake
Driving Award: Officer Christopher D. Smith
2023 Core Values Award: Officer Asa E. Roberson
The 2023 Core Values Award was presented to Officer Roberson by Luanne Mason, the daughter of fallen WSP Weight Control Officer Joseph Modlin, who was killed in the line of duty on Aug. 15, 1974. The award is determined by an anonymous vote among the classmates, and is presented to the officer who most exemplifies the agency’s core values of honesty, integrity, team-oriented, attention to detail, self-discipline, adaptability, performance driven, professionalism, officer-safety, and sense of urgency.
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. To view the graduation ceremony from the WSP live stream, visit here.
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