March 21, 2024
CHEHALIS, Wash. – A highway dedication ceremony honoring fallen Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper Justin R. Schaffer will take place Sunday, marking the four-year anniversary of Trooper Schaffer’s death.
Trooper Schaffer, 28, was killed in the line of duty on March 24, 2020. Trooper Schaffer was deploying spike strips on Interstate 5 near Chehalis when he was struck by a car driven by a fleeing robbery suspect. At the time of his death, Trooper Schaffer served more than six years with the WSP.
Two Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) signs will designate a six-mile section of state Route 6 to serve as an honor and reminder of Trooper Schaffer’s ultimate sacrifice – one mile for each of his six years of service to the agency and people of Washington State.
The ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at Adna Middle/High School in Chehalis, Trooper Schaffer’s alma mater. Members of Trooper Schaffer’s district command staff, as well as WSP Chief John R. Batiste will speak prior to moving to the first sign located on SR 6 on milepost 51.
Both lanes of SR 6 will be blocked during sign unveiling, with members of WSDOT assisting with traffic control. After the first sign unveiling, those in attendance will conduct a short procession to milepost 45 to view the second sign.
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